Defence News and Mediahttp://news.defence.gov.au
Thu, 30 Jul 2015 07:49:07 +0000en-AUhourly1National Vice Chairs of the Defence Reserves Support Council appointedhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/30/national-vice-chairs-of-the-defence-reserves-support-council-appointed/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/30/national-vice-chairs-of-the-defence-reserves-support-council-appointed/#commentsThu, 30 Jul 2015 07:49:07 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8297Professor Murray Lampard APM and Ms Jacqueline Pascarl have been appointed as the National Vice Chairs of the Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC).

Professor Lampard is currently the Chair of the Western Australia DRSC and Chair of the National DRSC Review Team.

“I am honoured to be appointed to this position and will embrace the opportunity to be part of the National Executive team in our most important charter of providing professional support and services to Reservists and employers across the nation,” Professor Lampard said.

“In our current environment, the importance and availability of Reservists in the protection of our country and borders is critical to the defence of Australia”.

Ms Pascarl is the first female appointment to the DRSC National Executive and is thrilled with the opportunity to join the Council.

“The members of Australia’s Defence Reserves epitomise the highest form of service to our nation,” Ms Pascarl said.

“I am honoured to take up the appointment as the first woman National Vice Chair of the Defence Reserves Support Council in order to support the men and women of our Defence Reserves and the employers who encourage and sustain their commitment to our nation.”

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/30/national-vice-chairs-of-the-defence-reserves-support-council-appointed/feed/Air Force receives first Growlerhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/30/air-force-receives-first-growler/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/30/air-force-receives-first-growler/#commentsThu, 30 Jul 2015 05:23:59 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8294The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) today received its first EA-18G Growler. Prime contractor Boeing and the U.S Navy formally presented the aircraft to the RAAF at a ceremony in St Louis in the United States.

Former Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown (ret’d), who represented the RAAF at the ceremony, confirmed that Australia would be the first nation outside the United States to fly the airborne electronic attack platform.

“The Growlers will complement our existing and future air combat capability, and ours will be a much more lethal force with this advanced technology,” Air Marshal Brown said.

“In many respects, it’s the final piece of the air power jigsaw puzzle for the RAAF, and my prediction is it will have one of the biggest strategic effects for the Australian Defence Force since the introduction of the F-111 in the 1970s.”

A derivative of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, the EA-18G Growler is the only aircraft in production providing tactical jamming and electronic protection.

The Growler will enhance Air Force’s current fleet of 24 Super Hornets and future fleet of F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters, and advances ‘Plan Jericho’, the initiative to transform the Air Force into an integrated, networked force able to deliver air power in all operating environments. Growler will also be a key enabler for both maritime and land forces.

The first aircraft to be delivered, A46-301, made its first flight on July 13 but was formally presented in front of RAAF and US Navy representatives, Boeing employees and the Governor of Missouri, Jay Nixon.

“The aircraft will now fly to Naval Air Station China Lake, California, for flight testing and then Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington State, where RAAF operators will continue training with U.S. Navy aircrew to gain expertise in the highly technical electronic warfare mission,” Air Marshal Brown said.

The second RAAF Growler has also made its first flight, while the following 10 aircraft are in various stages of assembly at Boeing’s St Louis plant. On current plans, all 12 aircraft will arrive in Australia by the end of 2017.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/30/air-force-receives-first-growler/feed/National parade marks a century of servicehttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/24/national-parade-marks-a-century-of-service/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/24/national-parade-marks-a-century-of-service/#commentsFri, 24 Jul 2015 07:13:34 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8287The Australian Army’s 2nd Division marked a century of service today with a national parade at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

More than 300 soldiers travelled to Canberra from across Australia to take part in the parade, which displayed the Colours, Guidons and Banners of 2nd Division Brigades and direct command units.

The parade was reviewed by the Governor-General of Australia, His Excellency General The Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove, AK, MC (Retd) who praised the members on parade.

“In so many ways the 2nd Division represents all that is good and proud about the Australian Army and the men and women who serve in it,” said Governor-General said.

The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Angus Campbell, DSC, AM, highlighted the important role played by Army’s 2nd Division.

“Today is a proud day for the Australian Army as we mark 100 years of service of the 2nd Division,” Lieutenant General Campbell said.

“For a century, the men and women of the 2nd Division have played an integral role in our Army’s domestic and operational efforts.

“It is only fitting that we acknowledge the servicemen and women of the 2nd Division, both past and present with this parade.”

Commander of the 2nd Division, Major General Stephen Porter, AM, said the parade offered an opportunity to link the Division’s current capability with its history.

“Today’s 2nd Division units trace their lineage to the volunteer soldiers of the First World War who fought with our forces at Gallipoli,” Major General Porter said.

“As highly trained and professional Reserve members, they continue to uphold and build upon the values and legacy of those who have come before them.

“I am immensely proud of all our members on parade today and the vital work they continue to do for our Army.”

The 2nd Division of the Australian Imperial Force was raised in Egypt on 26 July 1915 and deployed to Gallipoli later that year. It went on to become the first Australian Army Division to join the battle on the Western Front in 1916.

There has been no significant impact on the ship’s program as HMAS Canberra is presently undergoing a planned maintenance period.

Defence’s response to the journalist stated that the root cause of the fault has not yet been established and a technical investigation, in parallel with the repair activity, was underway. Until the technical investigation is complete, any suggestion of the possible cause of the fault is speculation.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/24/the-daily-telegraph/feed/Australian Government gifts landing craft to the Philippineshttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/23/australian-government-gifts-landing-craft-to-the-philippines/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/23/australian-government-gifts-landing-craft-to-the-philippines/#commentsThu, 23 Jul 2015 04:17:43 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8269Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, AO, CSC, RAN, was joined at HMAS Cairns today by his Philippine counterpart, Flag Officer in Command Philippine Navy, Vice Admiral Jesus Millan, at a ceremony to gift two decommissioned Australian Balikpapan class landing craft to the Government of the Philippines.

Super Typhoon Haiyan caused significant devastation to the Philippines in November 2013, and approximately 500 Australian Defence Force personnel, including the crew of HMAS Tobruk and a deployment of Army Engineers, provided in-country support to the relief effort, at the request of the Philippines Government.

The decommissioned vessels, ex-HMA Ships Tarakan and Brunei, were re commissioned at the ceremony, into the Republic of Philippines Navy as BRP Ivatan (AT298) and BRP Batak (AT299).

With over 40 years service, the versatility of the Balikpapan class resulted in superb logistics support to Australian Defence Force operations in Bougainville, East Timor and the Solomon Islands, and numerous humanitarian aid missions both domestically and through the region.

“Mr Jones has made a claim for compensation through the Defence Abuse Response Task Force (DART), a group set up by the Defence Force to investigate and respond to claims of abuse.”

This is wrong. The DART was established by the previous Government in response to the DLA Piper Review – not by the Department of Defence. The DART is an independent body to the Department of Defence and is responsible for assessing complaints of sexual and other forms of abuse by Defence personnel alleged to have occurred prior to 11 April 2011.

Even the most perfunctory research would have recognised that the DART is administered by the Attorney General’s Department to ensure it remains independent from the Department of Defence.

The story draws its premise from findings of the DART, yet because the DART’s independence was not determined by the journalist, and therefore not made clear, those findings were incorrectly attributed to Defence. This has led to false inferences about Defence’s involvement in this case. This false inference is also evident in the Lateline story broadcast on 22 July titled Alleged victims say sex abuse commission is essential.

We ask that you take steps as soon as possible to correct this error.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/23/on-the-record-abc-online-and-lateline/feed/Chief of Defence Force – Military Mental Health – From Shellshock to PTSD and Beyondhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/20/chief-of-defence-force-military-mental-health-from-shellshock-to-ptsd-and-beyond/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/20/chief-of-defence-force-military-mental-health-from-shellshock-to-ptsd-and-beyond/#commentsMon, 20 Jul 2015 04:10:39 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8261Abstract: The confronting and dangerous reality of conflict is such that everyone who goes to war is changed by the experience. While this maxim has stood constant over the past century, the attitude and approach toward military mental health has evolved significantly over time.

As a veteran of the air conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan himself, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, AO, knows first-hand the impact of war on Australia’s service men and women and the invisible wounds which leave a painful scar. With Australian forces recently returning to Iraq, the Chief of the Defence Force will discuss the evolution and progress of military mental heath over the past 100 years, addressing the issues facing contemporary veterans after more than a decade at war, and the challenges that lay ahead.

* * * *

Good evening distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

To set the scene for this evening’s oration, I would like to begin with a quote:

“The topic is painful; perhaps one of the saddest of the many grievous aspects of the War. But a condition exists at present which is immeasurably more painful – the exaggerated and often unnecessary distress of mind in many of the sufferers and their friends, which arises from the manner in which we, as a nation, have been accustomed to regard even the mildest forms of mental abnormality.”[1]

Those words, from Professor Grafton Smith and his colleague Tom Pear, capture Australia’s long held attitude toward mental health issues and the battle we face to remove the stigma associated with mental illness. What makes these words even more insightful is that they were written in 1917.

I begin with this quote because it highlights the very issue we face in addressing mental health in the Australian Defence Force today. How do we break the nexus between seeking assistance for the psychological scars of military service and the perception that this is somehow a sign of weakness? The question is as relevant today as it was 100 years ago, when the first wounded Diggers of the Gallipoli campaign began to return to Australia.

For much of the past century psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health professionals have struggled to understand the complex consequences of military service on the human psyche. Everyone who goes to war is changed by the experience. Extreme fatigue and stress, combined with sustained attack or threat can have a dramatic effect on a person’s mental health and overall wellbeing. These stressors are not just confined to land battles or even combat. They apply equally to air and maritime operations, as well as non-warlike operations where exposure to the devastating effects of natural disaster or human suffering can be equally onerous for military personnel. Historically, commanders have faced a dilemma – preserve manpower or preserve the man – and in the current context, woman. That is the tension between the need to maintain a fighting force and the desire to look after an individual’s welfare. It’s a vexed question, and one that at different times and under different circumstances will produce a different answer.

In the immediate thrust of battle and under attack, the unit’s collective ability to fight off the enemy and defend itself will likely override any one individual’s needs. But in a long game, the individual soldier, sailor, airman or woman’s welfare must come first. This hasn’t always been the case – particularly during the First World War when shell-shocked soldiers who succumbed to their psychological distress were branded as weak and cowardly.

World War I was characterised by trench warfare. Troops were continually subjected to shelling with little to no respite from the frontlines. The term ‘shell-shock’ was commonly used to describe soldiers who, having sustained concussion from the impact of a shell, were believed to have disrupted their brain. The shell-shocked soldier would emerge in a dazed and often disoriented state. Treatment was usually administered in casualty or clearing stations where soldiers were given a few days rest, frequently under sedation. The soldiers were fed and reassured that their reaction to the shelling was normal, and that things would disappear after a few days.

This frontline care served the military objective to preserve manpower while also sending a clear message to the troops that shell-shock was not a fast track home, but perhaps most importantly, commanders, medical officers and medics recognised the importance of treating shell-shock as soon as possible after symptoms emerged. Left untended, the symptoms would become resistant to treatment. This theory became the pre-cursor to what we know today as critical incident response.

However, despite understanding the need for rapid treatment, the military viewed shell-shock as a disciplinary problem in that those who displayed symptoms simply lacked the willpower necessary to manage fear in battle. Some medical professionals doubted the condition’s legitimacy and saw those who were suffering as malingerers.

By the time the first wounded ANZACs returned to Australia on the hospital ship Kyarra in July 1915, Australia was mourning the growing number of men killed at Gallipoli. The overwhelming number of Australians killed and wounded in action in the Dardanelles overshadowed the psychiatric damage endured by those who survived. Those who came home were considered the ‘lucky ones’ – lucky to survive the horror to return to their families. Sadly, behind the fanfare and the tickertape parades, those who were too distraught or disfigured were stretchered straight to hospital – hidden from the view of the potential candidates that recruiters were attempting to enlist[2].

As Australian families continued to welcome home changed men, much of the veterans’ practical and emotional care fell to mothers, wives or sisters who adopted a patriotic stoicism to care for them in their own homes. The shame metered out to shell-shocked soldiers on the battlefield followed them home. Veterans who returned with physical wounds were revered for their honourable sacrifice while those who came home with mental scars were, at times, humiliated and scorned as failed ANZACs. Families who could not cope with the burden of caring for a shell-shocked veteran in the home turned to institutional care but for many, this created a new quarrel as they fought for appropriate recognition and care.

In the years after World War I, Australia felt an obligation to care for the nation’s repatriated soldiers and a two-tier mental health system emerged – civilian lunatics who were locked away in asylums and segregated from mentally ill veterans who were admitted to repatriation hospitals. Civilian asylums were overcrowded, and with insufficient staff or resources, patients were routinely sedated or restrained. By contrast, military institutions provided a much higher standard of care with better quality food and staff as well as day trips and other organised activities. Families desperately fought for the best possible care with the least stigma. To many, segregating veterans from the civilian population was seen as recognition that their soldiers were damaged, not insane. Yet the government continued to take the view that those who suffered from shell-shock had some hereditary pre-disposition[3] and, with a shortage of beds in military hospitals, that meant families had to build an argument to demonstrate to the Repatriation Department that the soldier’s condition was a result of his service. This was, and remains, far more complex than for physical injuries. At the time, each state was responsible for institutional care which resulted in inconsistent assessments. For example, in 1927, Victoria had almost 1300 [1286] cases of war neurosis recorded while NSW documented less than 400 [391][4].

Toward the end of World War I, Smith and Pear; the British doctor and academic I quoted earlier, published a paper Shell Shock and its Lessons. They favoured the term ‘war strain’ over shell-shock and defined the condition as “those mental effects of war experience which are sufficient to incapacitate a man from the performance of his military duties.” Smith and Pear rightly, and insightfully, wrote about the “absolute necessity of obtaining and understanding the patients’ past history before and during the war.” They agreed with the assessment of frontline doctors and medics who advocated the need for early treatment for war strain. The rationale for such an assessment will be all too familiar to many, but particularly for those of us who have lost a colleague on operations or in training. Smith and Pear argued that left untreated, we will continue to play out the ‘what if I…’ question inaccurately in our minds. This, combined with the natural human tendency to try to conceal our troubles beyond the family unit, can lead to a delay in seeking help as we try to battle on until the situation becomes intolerable.

This British duo was among a growing chorus calling for greater research, more education, and better treatment for mental health issues arising as a result of military service believing that “the strongest man when exposed to sufficiently intense and frequent stimuli may become subject to mental derangement.”. This view that all military personnel were vulnerable to battle fatigue also gained momentum in the United States during World War II where the US Army adopted the official slogan “Every man has his breaking point’[5]. Despite an increased focus on weeding out the less resilient during the recruitment phase, the notion that we are all vulnerable means no matter how rigorous our selection processes, we can never completely avert the risk of psychological injury as a result of exposure to traumatic events[6].

There was a growing consensus throughout the medical profession that anyone exposed to trauma, even those with no previous history of mental health issues, was vulnerable to combat exhaustion. This marked the start of a fundamental shift in the way clinicians viewed military mental health. The focus switched from “problems of the abnormal mind in normal times” to “problems of the normal mind in abnormal times” to question why a soldier did not succumb to anxiety rather than why he did[7].

Unfortunately, the clinical progress did not automatically transfer to the military ranks. Throughout the Second World War, mental health conditions remained highly stigmatised and those who broke down were still considered weak in the eyes of peers who saw the lack of mental strength as a lack of masculinity.

During World War II, the Royal Air Force introduced the term lack of moral fibre. It was an administrative label rather than a medical or psychological term used to describe airmen accused of cowardice who were unfairly deemed to be more concerned with their own survival than the cause. To put that in context, these men served in Bomber Command at a time when they took off for each mission knowing there was a 1 in 2 chance they would not return – yet the stigma attached to a perceived ‘lack of moral fibre’ was such that the fear of being branded a coward was more terrifying than the enemy night-fighters.[8]

Back home in Australia, the two-tier mental health system that emerged in the shadow of the First World War continued to widen the gap between military and civilian care. However, mental health care became a casualty of the Great Depression and the financial burden of World War II. Institutions fell into an appalling state of disrepair and patients who were subjected to substandard conditions lost all human dignity. Sadly, this only fuelled the stigma associated with mental health conditions and increased competition for beds in repatriation hospitals as families fought for the best possible care for veterans who returned with what was then known as combat exhaustion.

As an unintended consequence, Australia owes many of its advances in mental health to the psychological casualties among those who returned from the First and Second World Wars and the increased demand for more effective care. The lessons learned from previous war-time experiences also informed a more strategic approach to counter the stressors and trauma as Australian troops entered Vietnam alongside the United States. From the beginning, the US deployed trained psych officers with each battalion and, based on their World War II experience, soldiers were restricted to a 12 month tour with periods of rest and recreation scheduled into the deployment. Australia did the same. These preventative measures resulted in fewer reported incidences of combat stress during the conflict but the post-war experience told a very different story.

In the early years, Australians generally accepted our participation in the Vietnam War. However, by the early 70s, opposition grew with the rising number of conscripts being deployed and killed[9]. The anti-war sentiment in Australia at the time meant our Vietnam Veterans were predominantly reviled rather than celebrated as their forebears had been, returning to an often hostile reception from anti-Vietnam activists who spat at and abused the veterans, branding them baby-killers and murderers for simply doing what their country, and their Government, had asked of them. Compounding their angst, as a community we had largely reverted back to World War I thinking, that is that a veteran’s mental health issues must arise from a pre-existing condition rather than originate as a result of any trauma experienced in service. This had a significant knock-on effect. The shame associated with mental health conditions increased dramatically and very little attention was directed toward post-war care. Consequently, the delayed onset of psychological trauma, which typically emerged from nine months to two-and-a-half years after a deployment, was largely ignored leaving veterans and their families to battle the demons on their own. As a nation, we should be ashamed at how our Vietnam veterans were treated and the stigma they were forced to endure.

Following World War I, shell-shocked veterans received the same pension status as those who returned with physical injuries. In order to claim a war pension after the Second World War, veterans with psychological wounds had to prove their condition was the result of war service and not an hereditary pre-disposition[10]. Yet after all that we had learnt, Vietnam veterans had to wait until 1980 for acknowledgment that post traumatic stress disorder was a legitimate mental illness[11] caused by the cumulative effects of exposure to the trauma and hardships of war[12].

Australia failed our Vietnam Veterans. We took too long to recognise the enduring effect the conflict had on those who were sent to fight. Officially, 521 Australian servicemen were killed and over 3,000 more were wounded but a recent study provides a sobering insight into the true cost of the war. This study examined the pension entitlement records of every Australian who deployed to Vietnam – all 60,228 ground troops, Air Force and Navy personnel. Over a 43 year period a sobering 47.9 per cent of all those who served in Vietnam had an accepted claim for a mental health condition[13].

For me, as the Chief of the Defence Force that figure underscores the critical importance of ensuring we provide first class mental health care for every person who serves under my command. I, the Vice Chief and the three Service Chiefs have a duty to provide the best possible mental health treatment and support programs available. We also have a responsibility to continue our research while implementing the lessons learned from previous conflicts and operations.

Vietnam triggered a new wave of studies into military mental health too numerous and too complex for me to adequately address in this forum. I will instead focus on what the ADF has learned and implemented as a result of our wartime experience as well as the challenges we face in caring for the current and future generations of veterans.

Unlike First and Second World War veterans who took a sea passage home, many of our personnel flew directly from Vietnam to Australia. Their struggle to reintegrate from the battlefield to the backyard taught us the value of decompression immediately following deployment and prior to returning home. The horrific experience of the Australian Medical Support Force, who witnessed the slaughter of thousands of people on the United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda, reminded us of the potentially damaging effects of peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. Our Operations in Cambodia, Somalia and Bougainville during the 90s were the catalyst in 1998 to introduce standardised mental health screening for every person after every deployment including humanitarian and disaster relief missions or training incidents and later border protection operations. And our experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan are the driver behind our determination to more fully understand all factors that impact on the mental health of our people.

In the past six years we have invested an additional $146 million to enhance our mental health care programs and services. We have almost doubled the number of mental health positions in our workforce. Additionally, we have taken steps to strengthen our resilience training to help people cope better with the unique risks of military service and we are leading the way with world class research to help us understand the nature and rate of mental health conditions amongst our military population.

Our research clearly demonstrates that exposure to trauma increases a person’s risk of developing a mental health disorder such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (or PTSD). For some, that traumatic exposure will occur on operations while others may experience traumatic events outside a deployment. So deployment, whilst significant for some, is not necessarily the sole determinant for all. We also know that a mental health condition may result from a single incident or develop with cumulative exposure to multiple events over time and, regardless of its nature, the effects of such exposure may be immediate or may take years to manifest.

Importantly, as the evidence attests, the majority of ADF personnel will not develop PTSD. The 2010 ADF Mental Health Prevalence and Wellbeing Study showed that one in five (22%) of the ADF population had experienced a mental disorder in the previous 12 months, which was similar to the rate of the Australian community (20.7%).

The same study found around 8.3 percent of ADF personnel experienced PTSD (4,169 of the 50,049 ADF population in 2010), with 50 per cent of those reporting having received treatment in the previous 12 months.

We are acutely aware that one of the major barriers preventing people from seeking treatment is the misbelief that a diagnosis of a mental health disorder such as PTSD will mean the end of their career in the ADF. Unfortunately, the problem is that the longer someone hides their symptoms and avoids treatment, the greater the risk for this to occur.

We are gradually seeing examples where people who have undertaken rehabilitation are returning to work in the ADF. From July 2013 to June 2014, a total of 813 people undertook the ADF Rehabilitation Program after being diagnosed with a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety disorders – including PTSD. Of those, 421, or 52 per cent, successfully returned to work in the Australian Defence Force.

Yet the perception of weakness and shame associated with asking for help remains the greatest barrier preventing access to care and treatment for mental health issues – not just in the Australian Defence Force, but in the Australian community at large. Sadly, it is rare to see one of the many successful recovery stories in the media. Further, I believe ill-informed commentary that criticises our care combined with a lack of knowledge or understanding of the support services available to our personnel only adds to the stigma and sense of helplessness that further deters people from getting the essential help they need. Which brings me back to the century old quote I chose to begin my address and the sad reality that too many in the ADF still shun treatment and suffer alone because of the stigma we, as a nation, assign to even the mildest mental health condition – just as we did 100 years ago.

So where do we go from here to ensure we meet the challenges facing our contemporary veterans who may experience symptoms for decades to come?

Firstly, if the Vietnam War has taught us anything, it is that the health and wellbeing of our people is paramount and there is no place for politics or point scoring from anyone in dealing with military and veteran mental health. We must be responsive to the specific needs of our people and their families. We will help those under our command to build and maintain a level of resilience throughout their military career. We will ensure they are encouraged to seek help as early as possible, no matter what the cause of their mental health condition and when they do, we remain committed to providing them with the best evidence based care and rehabilitation available that supports their recovery.

Fundamental to strengthening resilience and supporting recovery is accepting the individual member, commanders and health care professionals have a shared responsibility for ensuring a person’s health and wellbeing. Mental fitness is just as important to the ADF’s capability as our physical fitness and we need a holistic approach to address the issue. We cannot simply brand it as a health issue and rely on a clinical response. Understanding mental health is a critical part of our command and leadership training and a key consideration in our personnel management. This is somewhat complicated by the Privacy Act which currently applies a uniform standard for service personnel and civilians in determining who has access to an individual’s personal health information. While we proactively seek an ADF member’s consent to release this information to family or commanders, any decision regarding the disclosure of a mental health condition rests with the individual. That said, there are still things commanders and colleagues can do. We have to learn to look out for each other, not just on the battlefield or on operations, but in our day-to-day interactions and our social circles. And we must continue to develop a family sensitive approach to ensure they too are included in the mental health and rehabilitation services we offer to ADF personnel.

The current suite of evidence based treatment, rehabilitation and awareness programs available to ADF members are among the best in the world. These are administered and provided by Joint Health Command as well as each of the Services. We are well aware there is no ‘one size fits all’ formula which is why we employ multiple, targeted programs to develop a tailored recovery plan to suit each individual person and their family. The ADF Arts for Recovery initiative, for example, uses music, drama, creative writing and visual arts to aid recovery. It follows the highly successful ADF Theatre Project The Long Way Home that exposed a whole new audience to the anguish of PTSD many of us experience as a result of the difficult and often dangerous work we do.

I believe there has never been a time, in the history of the ADF, when we have invested so much energy and so many resources into understanding and improving the mental health and welfare of our people. There is much we have learned that can benefit similar organisations such as the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Border Force. Additionally, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge work undertaken by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs over many years and the lessons learnt from the needs of past veterans to better meet the emerging needs of our current serving members, veterans and their families. Defence and DVA have worked hard in recent years to build a more collaborative relationship that is helping us to create a more integrated approach to supporting the care and transition of Defence personnel at the end of their military career. Of course there is also the work being undertaken by traditional ex-service organisations and the new community based welfare groups that are offering innovative rehabilitation and psycho-social recovery programs that complement and enhance our own defence based treatment and rehabilitation programs.

All of this is not to say the job is done – far from it – there will always be more we can do and we should continue to strive for improvement. Further research, including longitudinal studies, are required to ensure we do not underestimate the risk or cost to our personnel and we need to work collaboratively beyond the ADF to build a greater understanding of military mental health. Defence is currently working closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs to examine and understand the impact of military service on the mental, physical and social health of current and ex-serving personnel of serving and ex-serving personnel who have deployed to contemporary conflicts.

To update our knowledge following on from the 2010 study, the Transition and Wellbeing Research Program is part of a new shared research agenda between the two departments, with approximately $5 million being invested in the program over three years. It will also be profiling for the first time, the impact of service on the mental health and wellbeing status of reservists as well as that of Defence families.

By understanding the impact of military service, deployment experiences and the associated health outcomes of serving and ex-serving personnel and their families, I believe more effective policy and programmes can be developed and health providers will be able to better meet the needs of serving members and contemporary veterans alike.

Finally, and most importantly, we will continue to look beyond medical circles and our international Defence counterparts to address mental health. This issue is bigger than us. It is a community issue. Our first responders, police, ambulance and emergency service personnel are suffering too and Australia must accept that when we ask ordinary people to do extraordinary things on our behalf we owe them a duty of care – but more than that, we owe them a debt of gratitude and compassion. There is no shame in seeking help and until we, as a community, change our thinking to accept and acknowledge that – even the best mental health treatment programs in the world will fail because this is an issue for our nation, not just those we rely on to protect us.

Officer Commanding 81 Wing, Group Captain Phil Gordon, said Air Force welcomed the approval and conditions.

“The development of the Environmental Impact Statement is an important process and supports Defence’s honest and open approach to addressing aircraft noise and other environmental considerations for communities living near Air Force bases,” he said.

GPCAPT Gordon said Air Force was committed to implementing the conditions of the report.

“In accordance with the EIS approval conditions and the existing RAAF Aircraft Noise Management Strategy, aircraft noise management plans for the F-35A will include regular monitoring, public reporting and community consultation..

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Department of Environment and the community to minimise the environmental impacts of the flying operations while balancing operational and training requirements so Defence can effectively provide air power for Australia’s national security,” he said.

The approval conditions include requirements to implement aircraft noise management plans in accordance with the RAAF Aircraft Noise Management Strategy as well as ongoing monitoring and public reporting of aircraft noise measurements around F-35A operating bases.

The F-35A will provide Australia with a fifth-generation aircraft to replace the ageing F/A‑18A/B Hornets and enable air superiority into the future.

Australia has committed to 72 F-35A aircraft, to be based at RAAF Bases Williamtown in NSW and Tindal in the Northern Territory. The aircraft will also intermittently operate from RAAF Bases Darwin, Pearce, Amberley, Townsville and Edinburgh. The first F-35A aircraft will arrive in Australia in late 2018.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/17/environmental-report-approved-for-f-35a-flying-operations/feed/Timor-Leste Defence Force participates in AACAP 2015http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/16/timor-leste-defence-force-participates-in-aacap-2015/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/16/timor-leste-defence-force-participates-in-aacap-2015/#commentsThu, 16 Jul 2015 01:13:45 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8213Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL) Army engineers have joined Australian Army engineers to deliver building projects to the remote Indigenous community of Titjikala.

The soldiers are deployed as part of the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Programme (AACAP), which is a collaborative partnership between the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) and the Australian Army.

AACAP Contingent Commander Major Chris Sampson said this is the third consecutive year that the F-FDTL have participated in AACAP.

“The soldiers arrived in the Northern Territory in June and will work for about four weeks in the Titjikala community, alongside soldiers from the 6th Engineer Support Regiment” Major Sampson said.

“The programme helps the F-FDTL soldiers enhance their engineering capability. This year the soldiers will gain an applied understanding of ‘block laying’.

“The inclusion of the F-FDTL creates a unique multicultural team environment where the cultural diversity of the combined forces produces innovative approaches to construction in remote locations.”

AACAP aims to improve the environmental health and living conditions in remote Indigenous communities.

Resourcing is shared between PM&C, which provides up to $6 million per project, and the Australian Army, which contributes significant personnel and equipment.

Commanding Officer HMAS Leeuwin, Lieutenant Commander Richard Mortimer says his ship’s company of 65 have been working alongside the Defence Forces of Fiji.

“While in Suva, we conducted joint training with the Republic of Fiji Navy, concentrating on hydrography and navigation skills as well as damage control. We provided them with tours of Leeuwin and in turn visited their survey facilities.”

“Today we depart Suva and will spend close to a month surveying waters around Fiji, including Rotuma Island with the Fijian Navy,” Lieutenant Commander Mortimer said.

The information gathered by his ship’s company will be delivered to the Republic of Fiji Hydrographic Service as well as the Australian Hydrographic Service in Wollongong for analysis.

“The ocean around the Rotuma Islands has not been surveyed. The data we collect will be used by hydrographers to update charts. This is important as it will provide mariners with confidence to operate in these waters and boost trade and tourism in the region,” Lieutenant Commander Mortimer said.

“Leeuwin is extremely fortunate to visit Fiji. My crew are enjoying strengthening ties with an important South Pacific Navy and seeing first hand the beautiful Fijian Islands.”

“The work we will do together will produce vital nautical charting information, but more importantly, it will create friendships,” Lieutenant Commander Mortimer said.

Leeuwin is currently deployed on a three month south-west Pacific deployment. Prior to visiting Fiji, the Leeuwin Class Hydrographic Survey ship visited Tonga supporting the Governor General at the Coronation of the King of Tonga.

The ship has also participated in a tri-lateral Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission patrol with New Zealand and France. This patrol was conducted upon the high seas and adjacent Economic Exclusion Zones between New Zealand, New Caledonia and the east coast of Australia to detect and deter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing operators undermining migratory fish stocks in the region.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/16/royal-australian-navy-returns-to-fiji/feed/Australia-New Zealand Defence relationship continues to deliverhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/15/australia-new-zealand-defence-relationship-continues-to-deliver/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/15/australia-new-zealand-defence-relationship-continues-to-deliver/#commentsWed, 15 Jul 2015 05:45:45 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8207A century after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps fought side-by-side on the battlefield at Gallipoli, the Defence relationship between the two nations remains as important as ever.

Australia’s Defence leaders hosted their New Zealand counterparts in Canberra this week for the Australia-New Zealand Chief Executives’ Meeting.

Australian Defence Secretary Mr Dennis Richardson and Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin meet annually with New Zealand Secretary of Defence, Helene Quilter and Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), Lieutenant General Tim Keating.

Air Chief Marshal Binskin said the bilateral relationship with New Zealand is one of Australia’s most enduring and important Defence partnerships.

“The Anzac Centenary highlights the strength of our relationship, stretching from World War I to our recent operations in Afghanistan, Timor-Leste, the Solomon Islands and today in the Building Partner Capacity (BPC) mission in Iraq.

“Our efforts to support the people of Vanuatu following Tropical Cyclone Pam in March show the close cooperation between our Defence Forces extends to humanitarian and disaster relief operations in the region and, we are pleased to welcome the New Zealand Defence Force’s full participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre for the first time,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

Around 620 NZDF personnel, two ships, four aircraft and nearly 50 military vehicles are currently engaged in Talisman Sabre.

Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force, Lieutenant General Tim Keating, said Australia was New Zealand’s most important defence relationship and he welcomed the annual talks.

“Our two defence forces work very closely together on a range of missions and operations all around the world, including the current Building Partner Capacity mission in Iraq. I talk regularly with my counterpart, Air Chief Marshal Binskin, and the relationship between our two defence forces is in excellent shape at all levels.”

Mr Richardson said the two nations had struck a good balance between practical and strategic engagement.

“Both Australia and New Zealand are scheduled to release Defence White Papers this year, providing us with new opportunities to expand our interoperability and to further align our strategic and policy approaches to shared global and regional security issues,” said Secretary Richardson.

“Today’s talks take place as both countries carry-out major Defence reforms, modernise our capabilities, and weigh how to respond to complex strategic challenges,” he said.

The New Zealand Secretary of Defence, Helene Quilter, welcomed the discussions with her counterpart, Dennis Richardson.

“It is good that we can engage at the top level with our Australian counterparts on our respective White Papers, and the many other issues of mutual interest in the defence arena.”

The Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army is the most senior enlisted position in the Australian Army, and an integral part of Army’s command team.

Warrant Officer Ashley expressed his gratitude to his colleagues, friends and family for their support during his nearly 37-year career, which has included senior appointments in the Pilbara Regiment, the 3rd Brigade and Forces Command, as well as deployments to Timor-Leste and Afghanistan as the Task Force Regimental Sergeant Major.

“I have seen many changes over my long career, but there are some things which never change,” Warrant Officer Ashley said.

“Pride, faith, mateship and opportunity are as apparent today as they were when I joined nearly 37 years ago.

“What has changed is that we now have the public very visibly behind us, which wasn’t always apparent in the late 70s or early 80s. We must all continue to earn and retain the pride and trust of our nation. After all, they have entrusted us with the defence of our nation.

“Living our lives, and not just our careers, in our values of courage, initiative, respect and teamwork will always keep us on track.

“The last line in our Contract with Australia is ‘I am an Australian Soldier – always’. I will always be an Australian Soldier in my heart.”

The position of the Regimental Sergeant Major of Army was first established in 1983 and is the only person in the Australian Army to hold the rank of Warrant Officer.

Warrant Officer Don Spinks is the tenth Regimental Sergeant Major of Army.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/09/army-farewells-ninth-regimental-sergeant-major-army/feed/Australian Navy drug seizures top $2.3 billion in two yearshttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/08/australian-navy-drug-seizures-top-2-3-billion-in-two-years/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/08/australian-navy-drug-seizures-top-2-3-billion-in-two-years/#commentsWed, 08 Jul 2015 05:37:13 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8196In its sixth successful haul in eight weeks, Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Newcastle seized 139kg of heroin, with an estimated street value of around $AUD 41 million, off the East coast of Africa.

Under the auspices of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), the latest haul brings the Australian Navy’s total seizures in the Middle East region over the last two years to an estimated street value of $AUD 2.3 billion.

The Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral David Johnston, said Australia’s material contribution through Operation Manitou was testament to CMF planning and the Royal Australian Navy’s focused training, professionalism and capability.

“That’s an extraordinary impact on the funding of terrorist organisations, which is where much of these illegal drug profits end up.”

At Australia’s main operating base in the Middle East region, the Commander of Joint Task Force 633, Rear Admiral Trevor Jones, said Australia’s military contribution to the international effort to promote maritime security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East region goes from strength to strength.

“HMAS Newcastle and her crew have dealt yet another blow to terrorism,” Rear Admiral Jones said.

“The fact that we continue to be successful says much about the way the ship and supporting headquarters work together in order to achieve the results we have,” Commander MacNamara said.

“We have trained extremely well, both back at home and in the Middle East region, and continue to display the professionalism and dedication required to be an integral part of the CMF.”

The latest haul was recovered during a routine verification boarding on 3 July when Newcastle intercepted a dhow and discovered the narcotics hidden on board.

Newcastle was patrolling with the CMF’s Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150), currently led by France.

Since France took command of CTF 150 in early April, CMF ships have seized 1.7 tons of heroin.

CTF 150 is one of three task forces operated by the CMF, a multinational force comprising 30 nations. The CMF exists to promote security, stability and prosperity across more than 2.5 million square miles of international waters that include some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/08/australian-navy-drug-seizures-top-2-3-billion-in-two-years/feed/Release of Defence Firefighters’ health studyhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/08/release-of-defence-firefighters-health-study/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/08/release-of-defence-firefighters-health-study/#commentsWed, 08 Jul 2015 04:19:09 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8194Monash University today published the results of the Defence Firefighters’ Health Study, which examined the incidences of death and cancer in current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) firefighters, the majority of whom served in the Air Force.

The study found the death rate among ADF firefighters was significantly lower than the age-matched Australian population and that the rates of cancer were about the same.

However, due to the relatively young age of the cohort and limitations on the number of former ADF firefighters who could be included in the study, researchers could not draw a definitive conclusion from the results and suggested the study be updated in 10-15 years.

In responding to the study, the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies AO, CSC, reiterated Defence’s determination to look after its personnel.

“I want to assure all ADF personnel, past and present, that your health and welfare are central to everything we do as a military and I strongly encourage any current or former ADF firefighters who have a diagnosed health condition, which they believe is service related, to contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs,” Air Marshal Davies said.

“The Defence Firefighters’ Health Study provides an addition to the growing body of research being conducted into human exposure to hazardous chemicals, including the Jet Fuel Exposure Syndrome Study and the fourth update of the F-111 Mortality and Cancer Incidence Study, which is due to be completed in early 2016.

“This study is not the final word but it will certainly help Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to better understand the effects of military service on personnel and enable both organisations to improve the care and welfare they provide to all ADF members.”

The Department of Defence commissioned the Firefighters’ Health Study in 2012 in response to representations by an ex-ADF firefighter group led by Pat and Ted Mildren.

The study included current and former ADF firefighters who served between 1980 and 2011. The study compared their statistical health data against the national cancer and death registers.

Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will continue to work closely with relevant ex-Service organisations on all matters relating to the health of former Defence members.

Army personnel have established a temporary clinic and will be on site in Titjikala for three months to provide general dental services for the community. In addition, they will teach children the importance of clean teeth and good oral hygiene.

Lieutenant Valentina Nikiforova, who leads the Army’s health team, said the clinic was a great opportunity for the Titjikala community to easily access local health care.

“The Titjikala community only has access to a rotating medical officer for a couple of days per month, and normally people would only get to see a dentist twice per year,” she said.

“In addition to providing general dental services, we are talking with individuals and families to increase awareness of the importance of good oral health, nutrition and general well-being.”

The AACAP dental programme also provides easy access to toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste and dental floss. It emphasises good tooth-brushing techniques to children through examples, presentations and practise.

Lieutenant Nikiforova encouraged people within the community to visit the clinics and benefit from the expertise on offer.

The dental services are part of a broader AACAP project, which is a joint initiative between the Australian Army and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C).

Resourcing of projects is shared between PM&C, which provides up to $6 million per year, and the Army, which contributes significant personnel and equipment resources to deliver the works.

AACAP aims to improve environmental health and living conditions in remote Indigenous communities. One project is delivered in a remote Indigenous community each year, providing infrastructure, health services and vocational training. The AACAP health team includes personnel predominantly from the Australian Army’s 2nd General Health Battalion.

Media note:

Media wishing to visit AACAP should register their interest with Media Ops on the contact details below. Visiting media will be escorted by Lieutenant Nikiforova. The Contingent Commander, Major Chris Sampson, will also be available for comment.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/08/aacap-2015-dental-clinics/feed/Australian frigate visits South Africahttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/07/australian-frigate-visits-south-africa/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/07/australian-frigate-visits-south-africa/#commentsTue, 07 Jul 2015 00:38:31 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8189The Royal Australian Navy’s helicopter frigate HMAS Anzac has arrived in Cape Town as part of her NORTHERN TRIDENT 2015 deployment.

Anzac departed Sydney in March and has transited the Southern Ocean, Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, Suez Canal, the Mediterranean Sea and the North and South Atlantic en route to Cape Town.

During the five month deployment, the ship has represented Australia at Centenary of Anzac commemorative events in the Sea of Marmara, Cape Helles, Gallipoli, Italy and Malta, along with ‘D Day’ commemorations at Normandy.

Anzac’s visit to Cape Town will provide an important opportunity to work with the South African Navy, a fellow member of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium.

Together with the Australian High Commission in Pretoria, Anzac will co-host an official reception, and the ship will also exercise with the South African Navy following the visit to Cape Town.

Anzac’s Commanding Officer Commander Belinda Wood described the significance of the visit.

“South Africa and Australia have each embraced the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, and work more closely than ever to address the raft of maritime security issues in the Indian Ocean,” Commander Wood said.

“As we work together on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter-piracy and information sharing and interoperability, we look forward to growing the professional relationship between our navies.

“We may be situated at opposite sides of a very large ocean, but it is a vital territory to the world’s maritime prosperity and the issues and challenges we face are very much the same,” she said.

Current and former Defence personnel who resided in Canberra in the 1970s and 1980s may be concerned the home they occupied during this time was insulated with loose fill asbestos.

Current and former Defence personnel who suspect they may have been exposed to asbestos as a result of their employment with Defence can participate by calling 1800 DEFENCE (1800 333 362) and asking to be put through to the Defence Asbestos Exposure Evaluation Scheme (DAEES), or by visiting http://www.defence.gov.au/dpe/ohsc/programs/Asbestos/.

Anyone who believes they may have lived in a Canberra home containing loose fill asbestos is encouraged to read the information available on the Asbestos Response Taskforce website.

The Taskforce has a process that enables former tenants and home owners to establish if a property they resided in contained loose-fill asbestos and was part of a removal program.

The ACT Government recently passed legislation that provides for a register of the addresses of affected residential premises to be made publicly available.

The register will enable legislative and regulatory requirements, such as the mandating of asbestos management plans for these properties, attachment of new planning permissions and the capacity to break residential tenancies to take place.

More information is available on the ACT Government Asbestos Response Taskforce website at: http://www.asbestostaskforce.act.gov.au.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/03/defence-response-to-mr-fluffy-home-insulation/feed/Change of Command for the Air Forcehttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/03/change-of-command-for-the-air-force/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/07/03/change-of-command-for-the-air-force/#commentsFri, 03 Jul 2015 02:23:31 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8184The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown, AO, officially handed over command of the Royal Australian Air Force to Air Marshal Leo Davies, AO CSC at a ceremony in Canberra today.

Air Marshal Brown ended his four year term by expressing his gratitude to all Air Force staff for their contribution and thanking his colleagues, family and friends for their support during his 35 year career in Air Force.

“I cannot leave without expressing my thanks to everyone in Air Force for the past 35 years. I have always felt fortunate to be part of the Air Force,” Air Marshal Brown said.

“To be entrusted with the command of the Air Force is a special honour and even greater responsibility. The privilege of leading the Air Force has been immensely rewarding due to the contribution made by everyone in the Air Force.”

Air Marshal Brown welcomed Air Marshal Davies to the job and said he trusted Air Force would give Air Marshal Davies the same support that he was afforded.

“I leave Air Force knowing that we are on the right path for the future, and Air Force is in the capable hands of Air Marshal Davies who will continue Plan Jericho,” Air Marshal Brown said.

Air Marshal Davies said he was deeply honoured and privileged to lead the Royal Australian Air Force, and thanked Air Marshal Brown for his leadership and vision.

“I accept this responsibility of leadership of the Royal Australian Air Force with all of its challenges and rewards, knowing that I will work hard every day to build on the achievements others have already made,” Air Marshal Davies said.

“I thank you in advance for your support as we face the future challenges that will be demanded of us. I feel privileged to lead you at such an exciting time in Air Force’s history.

Air Marshal Davies has served in a number of roles including the Commanding Officer of No 1 Squadron, Officer Commanding No 82 Wing Amberley, Director General Capability Planning in Air Force Headquarters, and was posted to Washington as the Air Attaché. His last posting was as Deputy Chief of Air Force.

Commander Combat Support Group, Air Commodore Scott Winchester, said it was an exciting day for the base.

“We are proud as an organisation to welcome young Indigenous students and graduates of the Gap Year Program who are so enthusiastic about future opportunities in Air Force,” Air Commodore Winchester said.

“Both of these programs are amazing opportunities for the youth of today, and Air Force is extremely proud to be an active stakeholder.”

Commanding Officer RAAF Security and Fire School, Wing Commander Andrew McHugh, said Air Force’s Gap Year program provided an exciting opportunity for young Australian school-leavers who have finished Year 12 or equivalent, to experience 12 months of military life.

“During the 12-month program participants are given training in a variety of career streams, all while being paid and receiving the benefits and entitlements received by full-time serving members,” Wing Commander McHugh said.

“Students have now completed their initial recruit training and will be posted to the Air Force Security Squadrons across Australia for employment training.”

Aircraftsman Kyle Anderson, a participant on the 2015 Gap Year Program, said the training had so far been very exciting and challenging but altogether a great experience.

“I am looking forward to my posting to Number 2 Security Force Squadron, Townsville and putting my training to use. I’m looking forward to gaining more insight into a career in the Air Force,” Aircraftsman Anderson said.

The Indigenous Australian Science and Infrastructure Development Winter School is a Queensland University of Technology Program providing Indigenous Year 10 and 11 students with the opportunity to experience a variety of careers during a four-day winter school in Brisbane.

Number 23 Squadron Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer Gary Thompson, said Air Force was a proud sponsor of the program and he hoped to see many of the participants consider a career in the Australian Defence Force.

“While at RAAF Base Amberley students were given a tour of a C-17A Globemaster aircraft and witnessed a display of Air Force security capability,” Warrant Officer Thompson said.

“They also had a tour of an air traffic control tower in which they were able to engage with Joint Battlefield Airspace Controllers, observing them conducting operations, and spoke with Indigenous Air Force personnel.

“Educational opportunities such as this one are essential to closing the gaps in equality that are present in modern day Australia,” he said

“The aircraft will complement the capabilities of the C-130J Hercules and C-17A Globemaster and will be able to carry medium-sized loads and access smaller runways that are not suited to other aircraft.

“This will allow Air Force to support humanitarian missions as well as battlefield airlift in remote locations and unprepared airstrips common in Australia’s region.

“Under Plan Jericho, the plan to transform Air Force into a fifth generation fighting force for the information age, the C-27J will operate within an integrated system that is more agile, has an extended reach and gathers and distributes information quicker and more efficiently than ever before.”

The C-27J aircraft provides protection from a range of threats through features such as missile warning systems, electronic self protection, secure communications and battlefield armour.

Initial Operational Capability for the C-27J fleet is planned for late 2016, with Final Operational Capability expected within the following two years.

The fleet of C-27J Spartan aircraft will initially be based at RAAF Base Richmond in New South Wales, until their permanent home at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland is completed.

More than 700 soldiers from the 16th Division’s 76th Iraqi Army Brigade have spent the past eight weeks in training at the Taji Military Complex, northwest of Baghdad.

Taji is one of four US-led Building Partner Capacity (BPC) mission sites across Iraq.

The 76th Brigade graduation marks a significant milestone for the BPC mission with 10,000 Iraqi Security Forces personnel trained by Coalition forces across the BPC sites.

76th Iraqi Army Brigade Commander Brigadier General Ali Khalid Abdullah Ali said he and his men felt ready to reclaim their country and take the fight to Daesh.

“I want to thank the Australian and New Zealand forces for all that they have done to train my soldiers.

“The graduation for this many soldiers who have been armed with the newest weapons represents a huge force to fight against Daesh,” Brigadier General Ali said.

“We are soldiers and we receive our orders from our Commander. Wherever they are going to send us we are ready for Daesh.”

Task Group Taji Commander Colonel Matt Galton said the graduation represented an important phase in the Brigade’s preparations for the counter-offensive to take back Iraqi territory, and ultimately defeat Daesh.

The Brigade’s training focused on the planning and conduct of operations, weapon handling, basic tactical maneuver, integration of intelligence, leadership and ethical behavior in war.

“The BPC training mission is a crucial element to enable the Iraqi Security Forces to reclaim and hold their territory from Daesh,” Colonel Galton said.

Colonel Galton said the Australian and New Zealand trainers had also developed strong bonds with their Iraqi counterparts.

Senior Iraqi Defence personnel, including the Iraqi Military Training Commander, Major General Sabeeh Bahlol Aatee and Commander of the 16th Division, Brigadier Sabah Fadil Mutar, attended the graduation ceremony.

Australia and New Zealand were represented by the Australian Ambassador to Iraq, Ms Lyndall Sachs, the New Zealand Defence Force Senior National Officer – Iraq, COL W and the Acting Commander of Headquarters Joint Task Force 633, Brigadier Nagy Sorial.

Task Group Taji will now shift its focus to the 1st Battalion of the 71st Iraqi Army Brigade, which commenced training on 24 June 2015.

In addition to the ADF’s BPC commitment, Australia’s Special Operations Task Group continues its Advise and Assist mission to build the capacity of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service, while the Air Task Group continues to plan and conduct regular airstrikes as part of the US-led international coalition air campaign against Daesh targets in support of Iraqi Security Forces operations on the ground.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/30/task-group-taji-australian-and-new-zealand-trained-iraqi-army-brigade-ready-to-fight-daesh/feed/Australian Air Task Group achieves major milestoneshttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/30/australian-air-task-group-achieves-major-milestones/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/30/australian-air-task-group-achieves-major-milestones/#commentsMon, 29 Jun 2015 23:17:13 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8161The Australian Air Task Group’s air combat operations against Daesh continue to deliver precise and effective attacks, with more than 400 weapons employed against targets to degrade Daesh capability and to support Iraqi Security Forces.

This milestone was achieved with a combination of F/A-18A Hornets and F/A-18F Super Hornets flying a total of some 5000 hours, the E-7A Wedgetail completing 100 operational sorties, and the KC‑30A air-to-air refuelling team delivering 25 million pounds of fuel to Australian and Coalition aircraft.

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown, said achieving these milestones represented both the hard work of deployed personnel and the quality of the equipment they operate.

“Air Task Group milestones will continue to be achieved and they are testament to the dedication and commitment of our personnel,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“Royal Australian Air Force aircraft are providing command and control, fuel, and precision strike effects that are empowering the Iraqi Army and ultimately enabling the Iraqi people to reclaim their country back from Daesh.”

AIRMSHL Brown said the milestones achieved by the KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport, E-7A Wedgetail, and F/A-18A Hornets were significant.

“To provide some perspective to the enormity of the fuel volume that the KC-30A has offloaded, 25 million pounds equates to some 14 million litres of fuel. That is a complete refuel for more than 1500 F/A-18A Hornets, achieved over Iraq by a single RAAF KC-30A aircraft,” he said.

“The E-7A Wedgetail routinely controls more than 60 aircraft in the battle space during a single mission, and when multiplied by 100 sorties it makes for a huge number of aircraft being controlled by the Australian command and control platform throughout the Operation.

“While the E-7A performs multiple functions, the singular goal of the strike aircraft is to destroy and degrade Daesh will and capacity to fight.

“With more than 400 precision weapons released by Australian Strike aircraft onto Daesh targets, since Operation OKRA began, we are giving the Iraqi forces the best possible support against Daesh.”

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/30/australian-air-task-group-achieves-major-milestones/feed/Chief of Navy response to Sun Herald articlehttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/29/chief-of-navy-response-to-sun-herald-article/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/29/chief-of-navy-response-to-sun-herald-article/#commentsMon, 29 Jun 2015 03:55:08 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8159The article in the Sunday edition of the Sun Herald on 28 June 2015 and other Fairfax Media publications entitled ‘HMAS Stirling suicides: lack of action raised Navy Concerns’, is misleading and displays a lack of understanding of the support mechanisms which have been introduced by Defence since these reported deaths in 2011-12.

Historically Navy, as with the other services, has had to combat the stigma associated with individuals who report mental health issues within the service. The article failed to represent or understand the significant effort that Defence has undertaken to monitor and care for our service men and women with a range of supporting mechanisms.

The article misrepresents the locations and causes of suicides by linking three reported suicides associated with service in HMAS Stirling in 2011-12, to Navy’s six known and suspected suicides since 2013. These tragic deaths were spread across numerous geographic regions. The article also allowed the reader to assume that all of these deaths were related to substance abuse: this was not the case.

The Quick Assessment, referred to by the journalist, that was conducted by Navy made recommendations which included “…support be provided to…Boatswains in the coming months…such as implementation of a mentor program…”. The journalist made an incorrect assertion that a mentor program was not implemented. Navy provided advice to the journalist on Saturday which stated:

At the time of the incidents Navy initiated a mandatory intervention that required all Boatswains Mates to attend a suicide awareness program as well as briefs from Navy Chaplains and the Alcohol and Drug Program Advisor.

The intervention program also included a series of increased formal and informal Divisional meetings with command team staff, increased supervision from senior sailors and increased access to support services such as psychologists and other specialist staff. The outcome was a holistic, focused and multi-faceted group mentoring program for the Boatswains Mates category.

Navy places enormous challenges on its people in the defence of Australia and can assure all past and present members and their families that their health and wellbeing continues to be a priority. This is why we have extensive mandatory training on mental health issues, why this is made a priority task at ALL levels of leadership and why we encourage all Navy Officers and sailors to look after their mates.

The missile firings were conducted off the coast of New South Wales on 24 June against two unmanned aerial targets launched from the Beecroft Range at Jervis Bay.

Melbourne’s MK-41 Vertical Launch System deployed the missiles, controlled in flight, resulting in a successful engagement with the target as part of her operational training program.

Navy ships conduct mariner and war-fighting training all year round to prepare for operational duties and Commanding Officer Melbourne, Commander Bill Waters, said the firing proved the effectiveness of the frigate’s combat systems.

“We do extensive simulation, but by conducting a live missile firing we validate this training and prove the accuracy and precision of our combat systems,” CMDR Waters said.

The Evolved Sea Sparrow is a medium-range, semi-active homing missile that makes flight corrections via radar and midcourse data uplinks. It can be used against surface-to-air and surface-to-surface targets. The missile is part of the suite of weapons use by Australian frigates.

Later this year, Melbourne will deploy to the Middle East as part of Operation MANITOU where she will support efforts to counter and deter terrorism and the trade of narcotics.

MANITOU is the Australian Defence Force’s maritime security contribution to the international effort to promote security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East region.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/26/melbourne-fires-evolved-sea-sparrow-missiles/feed/Sydney sees Tobruk sailing home for the last timehttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/25/sydney-sees-tobruk-sailing-home-for-the-last-time/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/25/sydney-sees-tobruk-sailing-home-for-the-last-time/#commentsWed, 24 Jun 2015 23:06:30 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8154HMAS Tobruk (II) sailed through Sydney Heads back to her home port at Garden Island for the last time today. The amphibious heavy lift is scheduled to decommission on Friday 31 July, after 34 years of service in the Royal Australian Navy.

Commanding Officer Tobruk Commander Leif Maxfield said the final passage was an emotional time for the ship’s company of 167.

“Today signifies that the end of the ship’s seagoing life is near,” CMDR Maxfield said.

“The people who have served on Tobruk over the years have performed admirably, responding to the call of duty, whenever tasked by Government to do so. Both current and former ship’s crews have absolutely lived up to the motto of the ship, Faithful and Strong.

“There was a reflective mood onboard the ship as we crossed the threshold of Sydney Heads for the last time, realising the extent of what the ship has achieved in the 35 years of service to her country,” he said.

Tobruk (II) was commissioned on 23 April 1981 and is the second ship to bear the name. During her service life, the ship has supported a number of humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions including the most recent, Operation PACIFIC ASSIST 2015 following Tropical Cyclone Pam which devastated Vanuatu earlier this year.

“While we will farewell Tobruk, it is also an exciting time to be in the Navy. We now look to the future with a bold new capability, having had our first of the two Landing Helicopter Dock ships, HMAS Canberra, entering into service in December 2014,” CMDR Maxfield said.

NUSHIP Adelaide, the second LHD is scheduled for commissioning later this year.

Media note:
Vision of Tobruk was fed to the Parliament House Gallery on Wednesday afternoon.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/25/sydney-sees-tobruk-sailing-home-for-the-last-time/feed/HMAS Newcastle seizes more than $1 billion in narcoticshttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/24/hmas-newcastle-seizes-more-than-1-billion-in-narcotics/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/24/hmas-newcastle-seizes-more-than-1-billion-in-narcotics/#commentsWed, 24 Jun 2015 03:51:11 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8151Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Newcastle patrolling with the Combined Maritime Forces in the Middle East region has seized another 581kg of illegal narcotics with an estimated street value of approximately $520 million.

The half-tonne heroin haul is Newcastle’s fifth in two months and comes on the back of her recent 724kg narcotics seizure.

Acting Commander of Australia’s Joint Task Force 633 Brigadier Nagy Sorial said the latest haul was the second largest in CMF history. Since February 2014, Australian ships assigned to JTF633 have seized more than 4 tonnes of heroin.

“The weekend’s find made Australia’s maritime contribution to CMF one of the world’s most effective current heroin interdiction forces,” BRIG Sorial said.

“To date HMAS Newcastle’s total seizures for Operation MANITOU is just over 1.3 tonnes of heroin valued at approximately $1.114 billion.”

HMAS Newcastle intercepted the stateless dhow off the east African coast where her boarding party uncovered the hidden narcotics onboard.

Newcastle’s Boarding Officer Lieutenant Gideon Watkin said the boarding was part of CMF counter terrorism operations.

“Our haul today validates our mission and continues to demonstrate Newcastle’s effectiveness as a result of continued teamwork and dedicated training,” LEUT Watkin said.

The solemn occasion followed two days of discussion groups and presentations between the Australian Army, the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, the US Army Pacific and the US Marine Corps Forces Pacific.

The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Angus Campbell, DSC, AM, said the Trilateral Senior Leaders Seminar brought together military leaders from the Pacific for substantial discussion on further collaboration between our armies.

“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to host my Japanese and American counterparts for the Trilateral Senior Level Seminar,” Lieutenant General Campbell said.

“Throughout the seminar our Army, the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, the US Army and the US Marines have shared insightful, frank and open discussions.

“We have talked about how we will continue to work together in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as well as security operations; and importantly, we have discussed how we might build additional trilateral training effort in our region in the future.”

The Trilateral Senior Level Seminar is an initiative that began in 2013 and, until now, has been hosted by the US Army Pacific in Hawaii.

Lieutenant General Campbell said he looked forward to future trilateral seminars with enthusiasm.

“The last few days in Townsville have been very productive for building cooperative pathways between our respective militaries.

“I am confident the close relationship between our three nations will continue to deepen over time.”

Senior representatives attending the seminar included: Chief of Staff Japanese Ground Self Defense Force General Kiyofumi Iwata; Commanding General, US Army Pacific General Vincent Brooks; Commander, US Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, Lieutenant General John Toolan; and Commanding General US Special Operations in the Pacific Rear Admiral Colin Kilrain.

The senior representatives, after participating in a leader to leader forum, toured various units of the Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade, including the 2nd and 3rd Battalions, The Royal Australian Regiment, the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and the Combat Training Centre.

The senior representatives were joined by some 90 uniformed members from their respective militaries, who participated in group discussions on how our three nations could constructively engage in the Indo–Pacific region.

In a moving ceremony held at the Anzac Park Coral Sea Memorial, General Iwata, General Brooks, Lieutenant General Toolan and Lieutenant General Campbell laid wreaths in commemoration of the Japanese, American and Australian fallen in World War Two. The ceremony symbolically acknowledged the past, while looking to the future as friends and partners in our region.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/24/trilateral-seminar-concludes/feed/Trilateral seminar commences in Townsvillehttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/21/media-release-trilateral-seminar-commences-in-townsville/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/21/media-release-trilateral-seminar-commences-in-townsville/#commentsSun, 21 Jun 2015 05:34:02 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8142The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Angus Campbell, DSC, AM has today welcomed senior representatives from the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, US Army, US Marine Corps and US Special Operations to Townsville for the commencement of the annual Trilateral Senior Leaders Seminar.

General Kiyofumi Iwata, Chief of Staff, Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, General Vincent Brooks Commanding General, US Army Pacific, Lieutenant General John Toolan, Commanding General US Marine Corps Forces Pacific and Rear Admiral Colin Kilrain, Commanding General US Special Operations in the Pacific attended a welcome to country ceremony at the Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade.

Lieutenant General Campbell said the trilateral seminar was an opportunity for the Australian Army to build regional partnerships with the Japanese Self Defense Force and the US Army, Marine Corps and Special Operations.

“I am pleased to welcome my counterparts to Townsville for the first trilateral seminar to be held in Australia. This is an occasion that I am confident will generate meaningful discussions between allies and friends,” Lieutenant General Campbell said.

“The seminar is important for regional engagement and interoperability, as well as the continued development of new initiatives to enhance our Army-to-Army relationships.

“Working with our regional and coalition partners is essential to understanding how different militaries operate. Our armies have just concluded a training exercise, Southern Jackaroo, where we demonstrated this collaboration in the field,” Lieutenant General Campbell said.

“Like Exercise Southern Jackaroo, this seminar reflects the shared commitments of Australia, Japan and the US to strengthening defence cooperation between our three nations in the Pacific.”

The seminar will run for two days and is expected to include presentations from the Japanese and American militaries, a familiarisation tour of the 3rd Brigade including various units, the Multi Role Helicopter 90 (MRH90) and the Combat Training Centre.

Elders from Aboriginal peoples in the Townsville area, the Bindal People and the Wulgurukaba People, welcomed the seminar participants to country. The welcome was followed by performance of the Sarpeye Dancers, an Indigenous dance group of Torres Strait Islanders, who are also soldiers from the 51st Far North Queensland Regiment. The event included a traditional Indigenous dance as well as a Steyr dance.

“This has been demonstrated in the Middle East Region under Operation OKRA, where RAAF Wedgetails have used foreign air force tankers to fly extended sorties.

“Once the trial results are assessed an initial clearance is expected to be granted to allow Wedgetail crews to begin refuelling training flights with the KC-30A.”

The trials were conducted by Air Force’s Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU) with a 2SQN Wedgetail and Number 33 Squadron (33SQN) KC-30A.

Squadron Leader Ben Goring, Executive Officer of 33SQN, said air-to-air refuelling required both aircraft to fly in close formation at more than 500 kilometres per hour.

“The KC-30A deploys the 17-metre-long Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) from the aft fuselage, which is guided by an Air Refuelling Operator on the KC-30A into a refuelling receptacle on the Wedgetail,” Squadron Leader Goring said.

“Each KC-30A has a fuel capacity of more than 100 tonnes, and can offload fuel via the ARBS at up to 4500 litres per minute.

“The ARBS on the KC-30A represents a completely new capability for Air Force.”

The KC-30A has already been cleared to refuel Air Force’s fleet of Hornets and Super Hornets using its hose-and-drogue refuelling pods. Since September 2014, KC-30As deployed to Operation OKRA in the Middle East Region have used these pods to deliver more than 10,800 tonnes of fuel to RAAF and Coalition aircraft.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/17/media-release-air-force-completes-boom-refuelling-trials-between-kc-30a-multi-role-tanker-transport-and-e-7a-wedgetail/feed/Missing fishing boat found by RAAF AP-3C Orionhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/17/missing-fishing-boat-found-by-raaf-ap-3c-orion/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/17/missing-fishing-boat-found-by-raaf-ap-3c-orion/#commentsWed, 17 Jun 2015 01:30:30 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8137Three stranded mariners adrift in the Torres Strait have been rescued thanks to the skill and swift action by the crew of a Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft.

Following a request from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the Orion aircraft detected three occupants in a five meter fishing boat in the Torres Strait at approximately 1:15pm on Tuesday, 16 June 2015. The boat was displaying an orange “V” distress signal.

The Queensland Police were directed to the vessel’s location, approximately 35 nautical miles North West of Moa Island.

Squadron Leader Duncan Flemington, Air Surveillance Operations Officer at the Headquarters Northern Command in Darwin said the rescue demonstrates the AP-3C Orion’s versatility in search and rescue missions.

“The aircraft and crew were able to shift their focus from a routine maritime surveillance sortie to a coordinated search and rescue mission involving multiple ships and aircraft from different agencies,” he said.

“The Queensland Police were able to rescue the crew and recover the vessel within a very short time after it was discovered by the Orion.”

“It’s something we train for but no doubt the crew will be very satisfied to see the rescue was brought to a swift and successful conclusion and three fishermen are home with their families tonight.”

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/17/missing-fishing-boat-found-by-raaf-ap-3c-orion/feed/Australian and New Zealand ships seize $800 million in narcoticshttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/16/media-release-australian-and-new-zealand-ships-seize-800-million-in-narcotics/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/16/media-release-australian-and-new-zealand-ships-seize-800-million-in-narcotics/#commentsTue, 16 Jun 2015 00:42:34 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8134Maritime security operations by Australian and New Zealand frigates operating in the Middle East region during the past six weeks have seized almost a tonne of narcotics worth an estimated street value of $811 million.

“These interdictions demonstrate that the Royal Australian Navy and Combined Maritime Forces are serious about removing these streams of revenue from terrorists,” said Commander MacNamara.

“Newcastle’s crew is focused on the mission and is doing Australia proud in the eyes of the international community that is the Combined Maritime Force,” added CMDR MacNamara.

“Our success is not only due to the tenacity and hard work of Newcastle’s crew, we are the tip of Combined Maritime Forces’ spear. There are 30 nations working together to achieve these results and our success is a testament to the combined professionalism of all these forces.”

The Commander of Australian forces in the Middle East, Rear Admiral Trevor Jones, said: “These drug interdictions are a credit to the training, hard work and dedication of HMAS Newcastle and her crew who have brought together all these aspects and turned them into tangible results that strike at the heart of terrorist funding networks”.

The Deputy Commander Combined Maritime Forces, Commodore Will Warrender, Royal Navy said the successful drug seizures utilised many aspects of CMF multi-national operations and international organisations that identify, track and board trafficking ships and dhows across thousands of miles of open sea.

HMAS Newcastle has been working closely with other CMF ships including the Royal Navy frigate HMS Richmond and French National Navy command and replenishment ship French Ship Var.

The combined counter-terrorism and counter-narcotic maritime operation was conducted from 29 April to 15 June 2015.

HMAS Newcastle is currently deployed to the Middle East region as part of Australian Defence Force’s Operation MANITOU.

HMAS Newcastle is the 60th rotation of a RAN vessel to the Middle East region since the first Gulf War in 1990.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/16/media-release-australian-and-new-zealand-ships-seize-800-million-in-narcotics/feed/Commission of Inquiry report released into the death of Able Seaman Ewan McDonaldhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/11/commission-of-inquiry-report-released-into-the-death-of-able-seaman-ewan-mcdonald/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/11/commission-of-inquiry-report-released-into-the-death-of-able-seaman-ewan-mcdonald/#commentsThu, 11 Jun 2015 05:09:30 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8122Defence has taken steps to further strengthen mental health policies for Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel following an inquiry into a sailor’s death on HMAS Toowoomba during a port visit to Mumbai in 2011.

A Commission of Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Able Seaman Ewan McDonald found he took his own life on 23 October 2011 as a result of acute distress about his personal relationships.

Defence continues to support Able Seaman McDonald’s family and colleagues following his tragic death. Defence consulted Able Seaman McDonald’s family prior to releasing the Commission of Inquiry report and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

Defence recognises the unique demands of military service and remains committed to providing personnel with access to high quality health care.

In addition to ongoing efforts to improve mental health services, Defence has implemented three recommendations arising from the Inquiry that related to mental health screening, assessment and management.

Since 2009, Defence has invested $146 million on a range of support programs to help all ADF personnel, no matter the source or cause of their mental health problems.

The ADF has also implemented a comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program to assist members. This program provides information and guidance identifying risk, suicide prevention, intervention and awareness.

One recommendation sought was for members who were known to have previously attempted suicide to be medically downgraded to allow time to identify any potential psychiatric condition. However, Defence will continue to consider the medical classification of serving ADF personnel on a case-by-case basis to encourage people to seek assistance for mental health concerns.

Another recommendation was to consider action against a Defence contracted civilian doctor. Based on the fact that Able Seaman McDonald did not have a diagnosable mental health condition at any time, and had no suicidal incidents at sea or ashore for five years prior to his suicide, no further action was required

Three other recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry relating to engineering and policy matters are currently being implemented.

ADF personnel who require mental health support can access their On-Base health facility or access after hours support on 1800 467 425.

Alternatively, Defence members and their families can call the All-hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 for confidential telephone counselling support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Ladies and gentlemen, are you all set to go? Good afternoon and welcome to one our routine operational updates. I know there’s a few new participants here that haven’t joined us in the past. Welcome. My name is David Johnston, I’m the Chief of Joint Operations. I’m joined by Air Commodore Joe Iervasi, who leads the operations in joint operations command, who has responsibilities towards the conduct of our air operations in the Middle East. But we will- and the reason why we’ve gone for an afternoon rather than the normal morning media update, we have at the end of the telephone with us Colonel Matt Galton who is the Commander of Task Group Taji. It’s early in the morning in Iraq at the moment, and I think for Matt it’s about 7 o’clock in the morning. But that’s the reason why we have shifted the time zone for the conduct of the update this afternoon.

And I will give Matt the opportunity to give an update on our operations for the Building Partner Capacity mission, and as we’ve done in the past, we will then open up for a question and answer session. We’ll be happy to take any of your questions on operations related issues. But it is good to have you here. I will start and just give you the normal overview on operations generally. Air Commodore Iervasi will cover some of our current air operations contribution, and as I mentioned Colonel Galton from Iraq will tell you what he and his team have been doing.

But for the other view for Iraq generally, in the weeks since my last update to you there’s been significant commentary about the Iraqi security forces and in particular its will to fight [indistinct]. So what we have observed occur in Ramadi and its fall to date. The performance of the Iraqi security forces has been variable. That is an accurate statement. I’ll comment on Ramadi in particular in a moment but I’d first just like to address the question, or the issue about will to fight and what it means. Like any military course, our own included, the resolve of a fighting force is of course influenced by many factors and they include the leadership of the fighting force, the confidence that it has through its training, the equipment that’s available to it and the motivation for the activities that it is performing. All of those are factors that when we discuss and look at the will to fight, and each of them is variable within your own security forces. So understanding the circumstances that occurred in Ramadi, that I will refer to in a minute, both the general disposition and capacity of the Iraqi army is not an element that you can take Ramadi in isolation to other operations across Iraq. And we will talk through some of those.

In some places we do though, as you have seen, Iraqi security forces have fought exceptionally hard. I briefed on a number of occasions at the Baiji oil refinery, which is near the city of Baiji to the north of Baghdad, where the Iraqi counter-terrorism service and other guards and soldiers have been in a heavy fight for the last, sort of since the 18 of June, at least 12 months now, where they have held that facility often under enormous pressure from Daesh who see it as a very strategic point for them. I’ll admit there has been some ebbs and flows in Baiji, particularly in the oil refinery, but the Iraqi security force has maintained at all times a foothold there. But I just offered that as an example of the will to fight is not something that is just particular to Ramadi, you’ve got much broader than that. In other areas we’ve seen Iraqi security forces also being successful. They’ve helped reign in Baghdad, Tikrit with [indistinct] more recently and Baiji as I mentioned, but the Baiji environment, not just limited to the Baiji oil refinery. And recently, they are now starting operations, what I’d call preparatory operations to recover Ramadi but there is some way to go there.

In the north the Kurdish security forces have also been successful. They’ve cleared eleven villages and installed security in Kirkuk province, which has resulted in Daesh losing what we would call freedom of movement across a quarter of the territory that up to a year ago they had held. But there had also been successes in the north. More recently, in part to the provision of additional equipment, mostly from the US, the Iraqi security forces have been able to repel suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, and have managed to disrupt a number of attacks in areas they are now holding to the north and to the east of Fallujah where there have been some particularly fierce clashes right through an area known as the Thar Thar region which is part of the gateway and entry into Baghdad and Ramadi.

But it’s important that I also recognise that concurrently Daesh have achieved some tactical successes. They continue to hold the Nineveh Province in the north, specifically around the towns of Sinjar, Tal Afar and Mosul as well as parts of Kirkuk and Salah ad Din provinces. And it occupies some territory surrounding and to the north of the Euphrates River, which you know flows out to the west Baghdad. In the past week we’ve seen Daesh cut off some water supplies from Ramadi dam to neighbouring districts where the Iraqi security forces and militias are operating in order to make the circumstances on the ground more difficult for the Iraqi forces.

Now it is important though that we remember the suffering of innocent Iraqis, the civilians at the hands of this. Townships seized by Daesh are facing widespread shortages of essential food stuffs, fuel, electricity and water. From Iraqi news reports we’re aware that the prices of fuel, bread and other goods have risen significantly in areas that Daesh now hold. And as I’ve mentioned, Daesh does use water as a weapon by diverting it away from certain areas that deny water to people.

In other areas, there is cause for optimism. Iraq is on track produce 3.75 million barrels of oil a day and the government has indicated that it plans to boost production by 800,000 barrels a day, mainly from the southern oil fields and installations that have not been impacted by the fierce fighting in the north. Given that 80 per cent of Iraq’s revenue is derived from oil, these are promising signs that Iraq can have a more prosperous future once it’s removed the Daesh threat from its lands.

Turning specifically to Ramadi now, as I’ve mentioned in all my previous updates, the tactical setbacks of military operations are not uncommon. And there’s no denying the fact that Daesh keeping control of Ramadi has been a setback. But the campaign is much more than a single battle. Variable perofrmance of the Iraqi security forces during the Daesh offensive in Ramadi underlines the ongoing need for both the advice and the Building Partner Capacity roles that Australia, New Zealand and other Coalition parties are committed to.

That is why Building Partner Capacity missions that we’re engaged in is important to assist the Iraqis in building the skills and the confidence that they need to retake and regain sovereignty of their country. We need to remember that Daesh had been waging a campaign to seize Ramadi for approximately 18 months. This is not a short-term battle that has been there. It’s a big city that’s faced continued armed engagement between Daesh militants and Iraqi security forces. The recent withdrawal of Iraqi forces was only in the face of explosions that were big enough to level an entire city plot that was the result of large, vehicle-borne IEDs detonated by Daesh.

The US State Department reports that there were 30 or 40 of these large vehicle-borne IEDs wer used in Ramadi. I also point out that concurrently with the operations in Ramadi, there were some 75,000 Iraqi security forces who were tasked with providing support to the Kadhimiya pilgrimage, which is an important pilgrimage that was concurrently occurring north of Baghdad.

So the spread of Iraqi security forces through this period, particularly in the later part of the day, Daesh managed to gain access to the control of Ramadi support. Now we do need to carefully assess and draw the right conclusions about the strategic importance of Ramadi and other contested areas of Iraq. This is an Iraqi fight and an Iraqi plan that we are working to. And as you’re aware, it has been supported by a pan-Arab coalition and local partnership of more than 60 countries, all which share a common interest with Iraq, the destruction of Daesh and its corrupt ideology. It has taken many months and it will continue to take many months before we see significant signs that Daesh is in defeat.

I would now like to turn to the Building Partner Capacity mission and introduce to you Colonel Matt Galton. Matt leads the Task Group Taji, which as you’re aware, is a task group that advises both Australian and New Zealand soldiers. And Matt, if you’re with us, good morning and it’s good to hear from you.

MATT GALTON:

Hello good morning [indistinct] and good afternoon to everyone there [indistinct]. It’s quite a chilly 33 odd degrees at the moment but I’m sure we’ll be building for a 49 later on this afternoon.

[Indistinct] Iraq and around the [indistinct] a really great handover we have with the US Army here [indistinct] New Zealand has [indistinct] 76 Iraqi Army Brigade. In preparation [indistinct] and we [indistinct] very well [indistinct] scenarios [indistinct] with the soldiers that are likely to place over here and I don’t know what else to reply except that [indistinct]. One important part of our preparations has been the integration of the New Zealand and Australian soldiers, ensuring that we will get to work side by side together in a training environment before coming out here and working side by side. All of those have been very eager and we’ve been working very closely with our Coalition partners [indistinct] sharing the focus with US here and [indistinct] training so far [indistinct] the regular Iraqi Army.

Task Group Taji is currently training the 76th Iraqi Army Brigade; a formation within the Iraqi 16th Division. The Brigade totals approximately 1100 personnel comprising command, support and infantry elements. The total training audience on a daily basis is approximately 750 Iraqi Army soldiers however can fluctuate depending on other barracks duties being undertaken within the Brigade. Iraqi Security Forces have been very responsive to the training techniques of the Task Group. The training is conducted by approximately 70 Australian and New Zealand soldiers, enabled by the use of interpreters. We also utilise other elements of the task group to support the delivery of training. The Iraqi soldiers and officers have responded enthusiastically to the Australian and New Zealand trainers and are enjoying the training they are receiving. There has been an increase in the number Iraqi officers prepared to lead training which has been a positive sign and is encouraged by the Australian and New Zealand trainers. I think this demonstrates that the training has been effective so far, but there is still a lot work to be done. Training has covered a diverse range of military skills that the Iraqi Security Forces will require to defeat Daesh (ISIS). Instruction has focused on developing both officers and soldiers including weapon handling, building clearances, obstacle breaching techniques, as well as developing tactics, techniques and procedures from small group (squad) through to larger scale (company-level) operations. The trainers are also reinforcing international humanitarian law and laws of armed conflict with the Iraqi forces.

If there’s anything [indistinct] Brigade [indistinct] which we are working towards them having, the progress has been steady but [indistinct] three or four weeks of training and that is quite a short period of time [indistinct]. 76 Bridge [indistinct] and I know that training will be [indistinct] of every relation [indistinct] to getting back out on operation. But rightly, it is very difficult to know how many [indistinct] individual soldiers [indistinct]. So [indistinct] new [indistinct] and ensure we can instil some confidence in to the operative soldiers in the 76 Brigade.

[Indistinct] very capable and very [indistinct] and there’s been three difficulties to date [indistinct]. But we’re doing all we can to [indistinct] prepare 76 Brigade [indistinct] what we all recognise what is going to be a very tough time for them. So I know [indistinct] has been talking about it a lot [indistinct] and what has been going over [indistinct] looking forward and not just [indistinct] but also looking ahead, which is critical [indistinct]. So what we’re trying to crack as well is [indistinct] their confidence, which is three things [indistinct]. Confidence in the procedures that we’re training them in, confidence in the [indistinct] issues and I think most importantly, confidence in the man that’s fighting alongside them and [indistinct] is no different [indistinct] or New Zealand [indistinct]. The only [indistinct] is [indistinct] and from what I’ve seen out there [indistinct] Australia and New Zealand soldiers passionately have [indistinct] appreciate what the Iraqi soldiers and the Iraqi [indistinct]. In that, particular appreciation for federal and [indistinct]. This approach has led to [indistinct] in a short period of time [indistinct] that we’ve been running [indistinct].

So the 76th Brigade will graduate from the current force towards the end of this month and [indistinct] operations shortly after that. Now I’m confident that the Task Group are doing everything we can to prepare them for this fight, however it is going to be difficult to assess day-by-day but we will obviously monitor the appropriate [indistinct] training. [Indistinct] towards the next brigade and we’re just working on that now [indistinct].

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Thanks mate. We’ll keep Matt Galton dialled in, as long as our technology holds up and provide the opportunity to questions, including to him, after we’ve finished. If I could perhaps just summarise some of that training mission, you’d be aware in total 13 bases providing the building part to capacity, support roles across a number of sites, al-Asad, [indistinct] our own at Taji, and in [indistinct] itself. More than 3200 Iraqi soldiers are currently under training at these sites, and 9000 have already completed their training, but that throughput has been very important. The Iraqi Army has also recently received new equipment from the United States, including small arms, anti-tank weapons, and counter-improvised explosive devices equipment. All of this is important in terms of building their confidence and capability taking fire. In the Advise and Assist mission, which our special operations task group is continuing to perform, that has been going very well. One example I would give to you, even in the difficult circumstances that were faced in Ramadi the counter terrorism service that we are engaged in providing that assistance to was one of the last unit to break contact out of that circumstance and only once the resources for them to sustain themselves in that environment were no longer available. I will now move to airstrike operations and I will advise Air Commodore Iervasi to give you an update on the aircraft that was used to the operations over Iraq.

VINCENT IERVASI:

Thanks sir. Now two coalition air operations, the 18 nations involved in providing air support have completed more than 2745 missions in Iraq and four and a half thousand airstrikes in Iraq and Syria since Operation Inherent Resolve began. It is an intensive but carefully executed air campaign that continues to disrupt and destroy the great Daesh war machine. Material losses for Daesh have been high, including vehicles, artillery, mortars, and personnel. All loses number in their thousands. The Australian Air Task Group has continued to operate at a high tempo. Last month the FA18A, or Classic Hornets, flew 66 sorties against deliberate and dynamic targets, delivering 45 GPS guided 500 pound bombs, making this the second most active month for the Air Task Group since operations commenced for us in September last year. The strike’s contributions so far is 602 sorties delivering 284 bombs with an average sortie duration 7.8 hours. Maintaining our eye in the sky for the Coalition has been our E7 Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft which has continued to provide battle space command and control of all coalition force aircraft in support of the Iraqi security forces. There contribution to date is 107 sorties, with an average sortie duration of twelve hours. Our KC30 Multi Role Tanker Transport has also maintained its function of helping sustain the coalition of strike fighter aircraft on station, delivering 1.5 million litres of fuel last month alone. That’s the equivalent to about 40 B-double fuel trucks. Their total contribution to date has been 13.4 million litres, or 335 B-double fuel trucks, over 282 sorties, with an average duration of eight hours. While the complexity on the ground has increased, in particular the differentiation of friend and foe, the intelligence picture in Iraq continues to improve.

Airstrikes continue to precisely target Daesh while managing the risk to civilians. At times the risk to civilians being injured in an attack outweighs the value of destroying Daesh targets. In some circumstances we’ll choose to wait until that balance shifts. You may have heard a figure of about 75 per cent of coalition aircraft returning to base without delivering weapons, our figures are consistent with that. This is a direct consequence of Daesh choosing to embed themselves amongst the civilian population making targeting from the air more difficult. At the end of the day there have been no Australian strikes which have resulted in civilian injury or death. Whilst there are challenges in directly targeting Daesh, airstrikes have been successful in targeting the means by which Daesh wages its war.

Coalition airstrikes at oil production facilities and supply lines are believed to have reduced Daesh revenues by between 25 and 75 per cent from their historic highs. According to one US intelligence source revenues from oil alone are believed to be as low as $270,000 a day. As mentioned by Admiral Johnston, Daesh have been using the denial of water or the target of [indistinct] to provide them with advantage on the ground. Our airstrike missions have been bombing these small dams that Daesh have been building across the Euphrates River. Lasting breaches in the earthen walls to restore water flow have denied Daesh the ability to use the dams as bridges for their fighters across the river. The coalition airstrikes are providing time and space for the Iraqi security forces to train and build the necessary capabilities for them to fight and win.

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I’ll just finish with a short update on Afghanistan. [Indistinct] will inform you of a change in the command arrangements that we have in place. We’ve just made an adjustment with General Mulhall, who was previously the Joint Taskforce commander here in Afghanistan, has returned and will arrive at the airport very recently after what has been an extremely successful period of command for him. He was instrumental not only in working with Afghan National Defence and Security Forces but in part assisting Australia with our transitions from the ISAF led mission to where we are now with the Resolute Support mission. Rear Admiral Trevor Jones is now the Joint Taskforce Commander for operations that include the task group in Afghanistan. Trevor Jones works out of our Middle East base there where he now has command of operations on the ground from Iraq through to Afghanistan and our maritime contribution as well. In Afghanistan itself Colonel Susan Coyle has assumed command of Task Group Afghanistan and she works in the country there and is our lead for the operational effect that we are achieving on an ongoing basis in those missions. If I could close then and just reiterate, particularly across the summary that we have given today on operations in Iraq, since my last update there has been a period of gains and losses. The Australian contribution remains valued and effective and I am confident it will continue to do so. It’s early days for our training mission in Task Group Taji and I am also very confident that they have got the right approach and the skill sets to provide a very useful training role for the Iraqi security forces. Our objective of course remains to support the Government of Iraq to enable it to be successful and regain sovereignty over its territory. I’m very happy now to take any questions that you may have of either Commodore Iervasi or I, and Colonel Galton in the Middle East.

QUESTION:

For you admiral, the US is sending more troops, the Prime Minister has said we might, does that suggest that this model of deployment is working or not working?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

As the US [indistinct], President Obama just very recently announced was supporting their current missions. The US has not changed its mission, its focus, like ours, remains training the Iraqi security forces on the ground. The additional contribution of about 450 people that was announced is about supporting particular operations in Ramadi where the US is looking at establishing a further advise and assisted training site in that location. What they are aiming to achieve in part is to engage more directly with the Iraqi security forces that are operating in that area, to assist them in their conduct of their operations and the way they integrate their forces together. That has proved more difficult to do if you’re outside of Ramadi. We operate from one of the bases further up to the north west of Anbar, it’s quite a distance from Ramadi itself, and Baghdad equally has Fallujah in between it. So the advantage of what the US has done is reinforce the mission, but go to where a recognised additional contribution is required, and establish that [indistinct].

QUESTION:

Is that what we need to do?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Ourselves? So we’re currently still the second-highest contributor behind the US in Iraq. Our role is still very similar to theirs. We’re involved in the air campaign, the training role, so we are a significant contributor already and our mission is the equivalent of what the US is doing. We are supporting some of the counter-terrorism services that are working in Ramadi and [indistinct]. We are part of that framework,

QUESTION:

The Prime Minister, Sir, says that we are talking with our allies about what more we can do. What would you tell the Prime Minister you believe we could do more than we’re currently doing now? What advice would you give him on that question?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

That would be something I would discuss up through my Chief of Defence Force to the Prime Minister, rather than provide that advice here. I’m confident that the campaign is the right campaign. Largely because that’s what the Government in Iraq wants. Now I know there’s been discussions around an accompanying role or having coalition forces go outside the wire and accompany Iraqi security forces on the ground. That is not what the government in Iraq is seeking from those partners that are supporting them. The strategy that we have [indistinct] about supporting the government in Iraq in a manner that is consistent with what the Iraqis want is the appropriate approach. How we-the capacity inside the system to generate that is an area that we continue to keep under review. We do talk both with the Government in Iraq and our coalition partners, but that’s about how to reinforce the current [indistinct].

QUESTION:

I understand why you mightn’t talk specific tactics with us and rather than with the Command, but in general, is there more we can do? Is there additional capacity that Australia could easily bring to this that could be fruitful?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

There’s two parts to your question: Is there more that countries [indistinct] can do to support Iraq? And that in part depends on what the Iraqis want for themselves. They’re not asking Australia at the moment for an additional capacity on the ground or otherwise. We have a military force that’s very capable and very professional, but we’re not getting asked to provide that additional support for the Iraqis, and that’s the key element. But because we’re also the second largest contributor, one of the questions and issues for our government is should others be doing more, if there was a requirement for more to be done, rather than Australia adding to its current contribution.

QUESTION:

How would we assess the capability of the Iraqis that we are training, as far as them going [indistinct]?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I would like to just particularly say I’m aware the microphone is down this end and if there are questions at the other end of the table, Matt may not hear them, but I’ll repeat them for you. Matt, the question was your assessment about the capabilities and status of those elements of the Iraqi Security Forces that you have been training.

MATT GALTON:

Okay, yeah. We’ve only had the 76th Brigade come to us so far, so that’s the only one I can comment on first-hand. They came to us with some pretty basic skills, they do have a very, very [indistinct] and a couple of very good leaders [indistinct] the way that they’ve approached the training, they’ve taken to roles pretty well. I think [indistinct]. [Inaudible].
QUESTION: And how have you assessed the governance(*) in Iraq? The Iraqi government and the Iraqi military?

MATT GALTON:

Well [indistinct]. So, there’s a reason [indistinct]. There [indistinct] supporters [indistinct] command [indistinct] make sure that their [indistinct] looked after. So, I don’t [indistinct] and [indistinct].

QUESTION:

As you say, [indistinct] what happens in Ramadi and about the will to fight. Would you have an opinion, though, on the resourcing of the Iraqi forces? Were they let down?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

That’s difficult for me to judge because I don’t [indistinct] have the insights(*) of them. It is true resourcing parts of the Sunni elements alliance, and that’s Ramadi is, as you’re aware, is part of the Sunni heartland. That has been an issue-partly why our government and others have impressed upon[*] on the government in Iraq to be inclusive in its nature; to recognise that resolving both-not only to support the Shia elements of the government in Iraq, but the Sunni elements are key. Ramadi is now clearly causing that to be re-evaluated. The US decision [indistinct] providing additional capabilities and [indistinct], where they will be. We’ll be part of the strategy with the government of Iraq to improve resourcing in that western province area. It will need to be improved, in order to be successful in recovering that territory.

QUESTION:

[Indistinct] so, they were let down?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I’m not sure-I can’t say how much they had. In part, what I’ve also wished to make clear because it’s context. The way the strikes occurred in Ramadi – and I mentioned the 30 or 40 extraordinarily large [indistinct] IEDs [indistinct] that is one – they use garbage trucks or heavy moving vehicles, that’s on their own had sufficient explosives in it to destroy a city block. So, the tactics that they choose clearly were – came as something of a surprise and had enormous effect on the psychology of the forces that were operating in that area. So, that in combination with a whole range of developments, including their resources available to them all were a factor in what’s occurred in Ramadi but they will have to be better resourced [indistinct].

QUESTION:

[Indistinct] Can you elaborate [indistinct] to move past that [indistinct] Australia [indistinct] what sort of timeframe would you like to [indistinct]?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I do but I can’t say for very obvious reasons. There are plenty of others who are interested in understanding what the Iraqi Government [indistinct] and how the Coalition supporting it. What I can say is what I describe – the preparatory actions are underway so it will be – Ramadi’s a very large area. The actions to recover it will not occur in a day or a week. It will be months. So it requires a degree of prepatory actions to put forces in the right position, train them, make sure that they’re equipped for it, that have had the strategy that will contain and isolate the area so that they can’t actively(*) continue to reinforce it. That broad work is under way but I [indistinct] it would be inappropriate for me to give a timeframe indication. What I would offer is the Iraqi Government will act as soon as it is ready to do so. They’re very aware that Ramadi is a very important element to them and that they have to recover that territory.

QUESTION:

And Australia is involved in advisory and assist training.

DAVID JOHNSTON:

We are. We are. I’ve mentioned we do have forces out in the al-Anbar district that we have partnered with counterterrorism service forces that work in that area and we are [indistinct] of assisting the local Iraq units that [indistinct] the strategy and the tactics that they will employ as part of that operation.

QUESTION:

Air Commodore can I just – you spoke about the [indistinct] of air strikes [indistinct] population, there’ve probably been a massive, quite sizeable amounts of arms, you know, that the Iraqis have left or the Iraqi Army has left. Is that creating a problem as well? I mean, [indistinct] using those vehicles which are apparently [indistinct] problem [indistinct]?

VINCENT IERVASI:

So, certainly that complicates the situation on the ground and for identification. We’re now seeing Daesh time and time – less quick from on the ground as well. So, this is where it’s critically important that we have good eyes on the sort of ground to understand who’s operating that equipment from time to time. Unless we can be satisfied the [indistinct] Daesh or Daesh affiliates then we’ll hold on to [indistinct]. But it is complicated. It’s probably one of the most complicated operating environments of the last few decades.

QUESTION:

Is [indistinct] common, they’re using them more and more – like is it widespread or is it unusual for them to be using that sort of materiel?

VINCENT IERVASI:

I don’t think it’s a trait necessarily that Daesh has a [indistinct] one. If you go through any conflict, any game force will take whatever is available to them on the battlefield so it’s not an uncommon [indistinct] field in force will use what is available to them.

QUESTION:

Are you aware of any Australians involved in [indistinct] in the Daesh leadership?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

In the leadership itself? Not on a significant level though but I think as we’ve indicated in the past, there are other parts of our government that puts that more intensively than I do. But from my perspective, not that we see them having a large military affect or involvement in the Daesh Military Camp.

QUESTION:

Vice Admiral, following on from the Paris confernece suggested that we need to do more in terms of rolling out [indistinct]. Is that a possibility?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I’ve mentioned right from the start that the department – that’s not what the Government of Iraq has asked. But having forces on the ground in a combat role or even conducting combat courses does change risk equations significantly. So, while there may be operational futility by having courses in a position, in the absence of a Government of Iraq seeking it and because of the other elements that it brings on, it changes the perception and the intensity of us being there. Are we there to fight ourselves or are we there in a supporting role with the Iraqis? There are many dynamics that change if you move into that [indistinct] role. My view at the moment is it’s not necessary, there are other ways we can continue to work to achieve that effect that government of Iraq wants to achieve but most importantly, they’re not asking for it so it would be inappropriate for us to do that.

QUESTION:

[Indistinct] normal civilian risk question, last week former commander of Iraq Jim Molan suggested that to get full use from our air power – the significance of our air power, they have to take more risks with civilians and in fact realistically, long term, civilians have to die if the air power was to be used to its most effective and the job to get done. What’s your response to his suggestion in that regard?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

There have been a number of commentators discussing and offering news about how to make the air effect more useful for those ground forces. What I’ll add to that is that the – the protection of civilians is a part of what we’re there for. But – so it’s a fundamental and [indistinct] of the way we construct missions, the professionalism of our targeting, intelligence and our air crew, all designed to minimise and avoid, wherever we can, that impact to civilians because innocent civilians are there in part who we are trying to protect from this. But the broader issue for me around that effectiveness of our air working, how to make sure we get maximum utility from that. Now, what I’d offer is that that’s a very [indistinct] a broad spectrum so for me as a military commander to make sure air, I would want to see that the ground campaign and operations are carefully planned in good order and time so as that we can integrate the air effect into it rather than right from the start, that when the troops leave the barracks and go into the field, we’ve got good visibility of that and we then can make sure the common air capability is there to support them.

[Indistinct] the air [indistinct] isn’t – and you would have heard from the description that James [indistinct], the JTAC controllers that are there directly trying to integrate where(*) that bomb hits target but the air campaign is right from the planning through to execution so we get the best of effect from air, it is more than just that final point of delivery and this is where our training is relevant. We are the trained [indistinct] how to plan better, what to integrate not only air but other direct fires into their planning and through our work and the larger [indistinct] mission, be there to provide that remote support to them. So, we will – we are operating in the locations with the Iraqis through the course of [indistinct]. We can observe the – where it’s available, the [indistinct] motion video and assist in the targeting and the delivery of targeting. So, in my view, yes the air – the contribution by air must be as effective as it can be but it’s not just about having troops on the ground [indistinct].

QUESTION:

Do you mention that the 30 or 40 [indistinct].

DAVID JOHNSTON:

It can and [indistinct] was the start so we certainly [indistinct] IEDs in various operational theatres around the world. But one of [indistinct] in Ramadi, the switch that Daesh used was the size and the – they put on rudimentary armour on vehicles. So, they protected the suicide IEDs to the extent with battle-shields and other – in trying to overcome the defences that were in place. So, what is partly referred in some of the new US [indistinct] is improved anti-tank weapons and attack weapons as an example. So, there has been an increase of delivery of weapon systems that are aiming to [indistinct] size and scale of the IEDs. So, yes, it’s an issue they can replicate intel from [indistinct] different parts of it, part of the adjustments now to attack these – the equipment of the Iraqi Security Forces is being paid to [indistinct].

QUESTION:

You mentioned [indistinct] reports of [indistinct] elevating certain sections of the Oruzgan Province where Australians [indistinct] time. Do you think the [indistinct] have a moral obligation to [indistinct]? Are you doing anything to try and stop that from – insurgence(*) happening?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I’ll remind you we’ve still got around 400 people in Afghanistan so we continue to be there at training advise role. Like all coalition forces, none of us are involved in providing a security effect on the ground anymore. But I will take the opportunity perhaps to correct some of the commentary around the current circumstances in Oruzgan. A number of reports that I’ve seen have overinflated the affect that the frontline the Taliban have achieved and typically we see as we come into – Afghanistan, it’s been called the fighting season, the good weather period outside of the winter, it is a more contested environment, there have been areas where the Taliban have been more effective in Oruzgan in the remote regions so out in Shahidi Asas, out to the east, up to the far north and western provinces but where the population centres are low.

They’re in the current [indistinct] itself and the major population areas where we invested most of our effort, they are still held by the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces. But like any fighting season, there’s pressure points applied but the gains by the Taliban in Oruzgan are very limited and are not [indistinct].

QUESTION:

Vice Admiral, your account of Ramadi with regard to the Iraqi troops withdrawal, is I think a lot more sympathetic than I think the American Command who suggested they weren’t driven out they drove out. What [indistinct] now suggests he was wrong and you are operating on information about that withdrawal [indistinct] lot more recent than him?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I’m aware of those comments and I don’t have a view on those comments apart from I think we’ve had a passage of time now where we’ve been able to better understand the importance of security, the [indistinct] very dynamic situation at the time and we’ve been able to better understand is what the circumstances were [indistinct] were and does appear to be some elements that collapsed much quicker than we would have expected or anyone including [indistinct] Iraqis would have preferred but I think we’ve now got some context to it that helps us understand the circumstances better than in the initial days after the withdrawal.

QUESTION:

[Inaudible question]

DAVID JOHNSTON:

It is [indistinct] or otherwise. It is in part understandable by [indistinct] elements of [indistinct]. I’m sure the Government of Iraq would have preferred that not to have been the outcome, as were the forces on the ground. We better understand what occurred [indistinct].

QUESTION:

Can I ask [indistinct] lack of confidence and preservation [indistinct].

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Matt, the question is [indistinct] hear it, to you was that – and I appreciate that you’ve only seen the 76th Brigade, but your view on what may have attributed to a lack of confidence by some of the Iraqi Security Forces.

MATT GALTON:

Yeah, I think it – when Daesh first started rolling in to Iraq [indistinct] the Iraqi Army [indistinct] really did cost [indistinct] coming in and [indistinct] taken a long time for the [indistinct] to recover from that. Any army that suffers very, very, heavy losses [indistinct] and I think [indistinct] try to rebuild [indistinct]. [Indistinct] so, I can understand [indistinct] and I think [indistinct] still recovering from [indistinct] and we’ll just try to build them back up and [indistinct].

DAVID JOHNSTON:

If I could amplify Matt’s answer, the Iraq Security Forces were 170,000 strong, they’re less than 100,000 now. An enormous loss of capacity in there and there were elements of it where their leadership was rewarded by patronage. So, the quality of leadership that was previously available had been available, was not strong in many areas, all of which saps the morale of a force [indistinct]. That’s why we’re trying to retrain and help them regain their confidence.

QUESTION:

At what point does the military advice contradict the legal request to not take any further action? What does the Iraqi Security Force have to lose before you say to the government we need to take a bigger role, we need to make active contact with Daesh.

DAVID JOHNSTON:

But that- they don’t [indistinct] for the Government of Iraq, nor is it a desire to [indistinct] military commander, or our own government. So it’s a functional: at what point does the Government of Iraq reach when they seek that level of enhanced support or contribution? That’s not one I can answer on their behalf.

QUESTION:

[Talking over] Sorry, let me clarify the question. At what point would you be advising the Australian Government that our military situation would become untenable if we were not to make a bigger role and actually take active combat.

DAVID JOHNSTON:

To answer that [indistinct] would be in terms of if we were the only contributor, and we’re one of many there. So, the perspective of our government would be how much they should contribute, that’s a relative question, and it is one for government rather than a answer that I could give. My role is to provide options if that government was to seek it, and to work with our partners about we would best contribute. But it’s a question best posed to ministers, rather than to me.

QUESTION:

Can I ask Colonel Galton, if I might, how close is Taji Base to the nearest Islamic State territory? How secure does he feel the base is? And might the base be, as some have suggested, a prize target for Islamic State?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

The question was where is the closest Daesh-held territory to where you are operating, how secure do you feel in your operating location, And are you a prize?

MATT GALTON:

[Indistinct] large [indistinct] concentrations [indistinct] Ramadi. There are small pockets around [indistinct], nothing that is threatening the security of [indistinct]. We work pretty closely with the Iraqi base commander and his security [indistinct] that are out here, and coordinate closely between them and the US forces [indistinct]. So no, look we [indistinct] are confident [indistinct] security-wise, the [indistinct] Iraqi Army divisions [indistinct], so the Iraqis have their own vested interest in making sure this base stays safe, and [indistinct] work with them to make sure that’s the case. So, no look [indistinct] I’m comfortable [indistinct] [indistinct] saying that here at least anyway. And [indistinct].

QUESTION:

You mentioned with Ramadi in the lead up to that point about troops being moved around the country, so is that in respect, is that keeping us safe [indistinct].

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I mentioned that that was the Kahdimaya pilgrimage, so it was a religious festival, and with that in mind. But it occurs every year and it’s very important the Government of Iraq will be able to provide security to its people during that event on that date. So it’s, I think, we would have similar expectations for a major community event, that security is provided to us – that’s what the Government of Iraq responded to. But it did, because of the capacity they had to provide around that event. It is quite a long pilgrimage, and that really meant that there vulnerabilities, that they had to draw troops from other locations and Daesh exploited them.

QUESTION:

And that’s why [indistinct] it’s crucial. [Indistinct]

DAVID JOHNSTON:

As a military- If I was looking for an opportunity to achieve an effect on the ground, I’d have picked the [indistinct] day as well.

QUESTION:

Why’s that? Well we’ve mentioned troops working elsewhere at the Taji in Iraq at the moment, looking elsewhere at al-Anbar problems. How many troops do we have outside? And would you give us specifics about- outside Taji could you give us just a bit of a sense of their working environment and their security?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

We had, I won’t mention the size and location, but the [indistinct] we’ve [indistinct], 300 people there. We know they’re fairly [indistinct] Baghdad itself. I’ve previously mentioned that Baghdad didn’t make a security compound, we’re part of this issue on [indistinct]. There’s an element of about 70 that work out in western Anbar inside another Iraqi base. So all inside that area we’ve been providing advice, assist to the local counter-terrorism forces operating in that area. Under a- we monitor the security of all our people regularly, it’s a key function that they provide on the ground. [Indistinct] has responsibilities back to me about the forced protection of our people(*), things like that, and assembling the commanders in the other locations. Very active in monitoring those circumstances. Nowhere in Iraq is without threat, but we do everything that we can to make sure our people have got the information they need, and the resources to manage that threat.

QUESTION:

If the Prime Minister does follow through, or did what he said this morning and get more resources, where would you – what resources would you suggest that we get in?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

[indistinct] we’d have work further to do just particularly to understand what the Government in Iraq needed, what our coalition partners needed for us, but my expectation broadly, it would be along the same training lines that we’re doing. So all the coalition effort is all around training at the moment. The work, whether its divisive system missions and some integration of combat effects, they’re all Building Partner Capacity mission. But they are the two core roles that are being provided on the ground. And I wouldn’t see anything outside of either of those two areas.

QUESTION:

[Indistinct question]

DAVID JOHNSTON:

[Indistinct] lost to citizens of Mosul, those who have had to deal with the circumstances since then. But I think the question indicated a passage of time, it has been a pretty tough 12 months, particularly for the Iraqi forces and the Iraqi Government. We remember we’ve had a transition from the Maliki Government into the power of the Abadi Government. So there’s a lot happened politically in Iraq in that time. The training to their forces as well is taking time to arrange. The coalition, our own air contribution started in October of last year. So I think we’ve seen the build up in that passage of world [indistinct] but we’re still not at the point where we see Daesh retreat, there is time to go.

QUESTION:

Can I ask, Air Commodore, there’s been reports of concern [indistinct] using the cover of sand storms [indistinct] to go undertaken by surveillance. Is there anything that we can do about that, through any change in tactic on your part [indistinct]?

VINCENT IERVASI:

Yeah. Only the hand of God can sway nature. I think any command would make the best use of the environment as it presents itself to us, so we don’t have the capability necessarily to see through sandstorms. We know the range of other capabilities that we will bring to bear. So these things will happen from time to time, so it’s just adjusting, reassessing what [indistinct] after that actual event has occurred, to see whether we’ve gained, lost or remained at the status qui.

QUESTION:

[Indistinct question]

VINCENT IERVASI:

Sandstorms of that scale, but there are a lot of sandstorms across the Middle East. The large ones, not too regularly. Our forecasting is pretty is good for that. But importantly, when we know they’re coming we adjust our protective measures, so we will open the support that we might offer to the Iraqis around our base of operations during those periods, but also our more intimate support around our own forces are elevated during those high threat period.

QUESTION:

[Indistinct] can I just ask you to move to a different area. [Indistinct] Australia’s getting [indistinct] by missions to the South China Seas using the Maritime Control Aircraft. Just curious, are you able to comment whether any of those missions have actually taken place in that time, whether it’s something that we’ve actually done. I think that a week or so ago we had a frigate in Vietnam or certainly in South East Asia, with a view to come home. Has it perhaps sailed through those areas [indistinct]?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

We do routinely put out operations through the South China Sea and have for many, many years. We, quite right, know that there is ship transiting activities through the region at the moment. The patrol aircraft, we’ve put our maritime patrol aircraft up through there, we’ve got a relationship with a number of countries, [indistinct] operate with them for various purposes. It’s quite normal for us to be operating in the area, we have both aircraft and ships in that area at the moment. These events were planned months ago, so their not in a direct response to the recent events and commentary around the South China Sea. But it is important to us that we continue to contribute to the stability in that part of the world, working with regional nations as we do, and I would expect that to continue.

QUESTION:

Just quickly, there’s been no fights towards [indistinct]?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

No.

QUESTION:

[Indistinct discussion] If I might Vice Admiral It’s fairly routine, I think you’d dare say to go with them in Iraq last time, for the military to take in members of the media and show them the operations, indeed in part, and some of the training then. Is that planned again, or is security significantly different this time such that you won’t.

DAVID JOHNSTON:

We are keen for doing when we can the arrangements in places. We value having the media-directed program which we have used in the past because it does give you that very direct exposure to both the environment in which our young people are working, and of course the great work that they do, but we need to get some agreements with the Government of Iraq because we’re operating inside Iraqi bases so that is taking us some time to be able to construct the arrangements to be able to make it successful. But from a military perspective, and the ADF, we welcome it, we just want to do the work [indistinct] as soon as we have those operations in place [indistinct].

Thanks you very much for joining us this afternoon ladies and gentlemen.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/11/press-conference-with-vice-admiral-david-johnston-and-air-commodore-vincent-joe-iervasi-update-on-australian-defence-force-operations/feed/Indian Navy crosses oceans to visit Australiahttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/04/indian-navy-crosses-oceans-to-visit-australia/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/04/indian-navy-crosses-oceans-to-visit-australia/#commentsWed, 03 Jun 2015 22:59:56 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8116Two Indian Navy Ships (INS) Satpura and Kamorta have been conducting training and security patrols while transiting the Indian Ocean and will arrive in Fremantle today on a goodwill visit.

The arrival of the two Indian Navy Ships coincides with a visit by the Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Commander Vice Admiral Satish Soni, PVSM, AVSM, NM, ADC, who is in Perth to hold discussions and make preparations ahead of the Royal Australian Navy’s first bilateral maritime exercise with India.

The exercise will be held in September in the Eastern Fleet exercise areas off the east coast of India.

Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, AO, CSC, RAN said the exercise was a significant step forward in the bilateral relationship and reflected the maturing defence relationships of both countries, lead by their respective navies.

“As one of our highly valued security partners we welcome the visit by Vice Admiral Soni, Rear Admiral Singh, and the officers and sailors of Indian Navy Ships Satpura and Kamorta, as we continue to strengthen close bond between the navies of India and Australia,” VADM Barrett said.

“As the Chairman of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium I cannot emphasise enough the importance of this type of bilateral interaction.

“It is important to regional security that we take every opportunity to engage with our neighbours in training activities and exchanges to further strengthen our cooperation and understanding.

“India and Australia have been working collaboratively to develop confidence‑building measures under the auspices of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium and we look forward to continuing this work into the future,” he said.

The INS Satpura is a Shivalik-class stealth multi-role frigate built for the Indian Navy and commissioned on 20 August 2011. The INS Kamorta, the first of four anti-submarine Kamorta-class stealth corvettes, was commissioned on 12 July 2014.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/06/04/indian-navy-crosses-oceans-to-visit-australia/feed/Airservices Australia and Defence strengthen collaboration on Unmanned Aircraft Systemshttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/29/airservices-australia-and-defence-strengthen-collaboration-on-unmanned-aircraft-systems/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/29/airservices-australia-and-defence-strengthen-collaboration-on-unmanned-aircraft-systems/#commentsFri, 29 May 2015 05:20:53 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8101Airservices Australia and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) today for the operation of the Heron remotely piloted Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) in Australian civil airspace.

Commander of Surveillance and Response Group Air Commodore Chris Westwood and Airservices Australia’s Executive General Manager Air Traffic Control Greg Hood signed the MoA at a ceremony in Canberra.

Air Commodore Chris Westwood said the MoA formalises the partnership between Airservices Australia and Air Force and enhances Australia’s position on UAS.

“The purpose of the MoA is to set out procedures for Airservices Australia and Air Force to work within, and allows the Heron to be safely flown in civil airspace without any significant impact on civil air traffic,” Air Commodore Westwood said.

“The MoA aids both Airservices and Air Force by facilitating the initial operation and integration of remotely piloted aircraft into civil airspace, based on Air Force’s mature and thorough airworthiness and aviation safety system.”

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, the regulator of all Australian airspace, will also work with Airservices and Air Force to monitor the arrangements from a civil aviation safety perspective.

Airservices Australia Executive General Manager Greg Hood said that the agreement further reinforces the close working relationship between Airservices and the Royal Australian Air Force and ensures that UAS are operated safely in civilian airspace.

“This MoA is recognition of the changing way that airspace is being used to embrace new technologies,” Mr Hood said.

“We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Defence on the use of this type of technology safely in Australian airspace.”

The Heron is planned to fly in civilian airspace from Rockhampton Airport in late June, as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2015. This will be the first time the aircraft has flown outside of restricted military airspace in Australia.

Air Force currently operates two Heron aircraft from RAAF Base Woomera in South Australia, as part of a plan to ensure that Australia remains at the forefront of advancing aviation technology and that Air Force pilots maintain the skills to operate UAS until the introduction of the MQ-4C Triton.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/29/airservices-australia-and-defence-strengthen-collaboration-on-unmanned-aircraft-systems/feed/Inquiry report released into the death of a Navy member involved in a cycling accidenthttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/28/inquiry-report-released-into-the-death-of-a-navy-member-involved-in-a-cycling-accident/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/28/inquiry-report-released-into-the-death-of-a-navy-member-involved-in-a-cycling-accident/#commentsThu, 28 May 2015 03:59:54 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8099The Department of Defence today released an inquiry report into the death of Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Kane Vandenberg who died on 11 October 2013 following a cycling accident at Mt Stromlo Forest Park.

Chief Petty Officer Vandenberg was participating in the Super D event at the Australian Defence Cycling Club 2013 Carnival when he lost control of his mountain bike and collided with a large rock.

He suffered a serious chest injury and received first aid at the scene. Chief Petty Officer Vandenberg was taken by ambulance to Canberra Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

An inquiry found that Chief Petty Officer Vandenberg’s death was a tragic accident and that organisers had implemented appropriate risk mitigation practices and strategies before, and during, the carnival.

In addition to the Defence inquiry, two separate investigations were also conducted into Chief Petty Officer Vandenberg’s death. ACT Police conducted an investigation on behalf of the ACT Coroner. On 20 December 2013, the ACT Coroner made an order dispensing with a hearing into the circumstances surrounding CPO Vandenberg’s death. The Coroner determined that no matter of public safety was found to arise in relation to Chief Petty Officer Vandenberg’s death.

Comcare also conducted an investigation and made only one recommendation which was that organisers conduct a formal inspection of each trail prior to use for future events. Carnival organisers have agreed to this recommendation.

The Defence inquiry made two recommendations regarding policy improvements for notifying the next of kin of Australian Defence Force members involved in fatal incidents. Defence has accepted both recommendations.

Chief Petty Officer Vandenberg was a keen mountain bike enthusiast and a valued member of the Navy and the Australian Defence Force. Defence once again extends its deepest sympathy to Chief Petty Officer Vandenberg’s family, his friends and the wider Defence cycling community.

Anzac departed Sydney in March 2015, and has transited the Southern Ocean, Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, Suez Canal, the Mediterranean Sea and most recently the North Atlantic en route to Portsmouth.

During the five month deployment, the ship has represented Australia at Centenary of Anzac commemorative events in the Sea of Marmara, Cape Helles, Gallipoli and Italy and Malta.

Anzac’s Commanding Officer Commander Belinda Wood, RAN, described the visit as being historically significant, as well as an important stop to recharge before beginning the long trip home to Australia.

“At Portsmouth, Anzac will be berthed in one of the major bases of one of Australia’s most important Allies,” Commander Wood said.

“In a deployment that has involved many Centenary of Anzac commemorations, it is fitting that we will be berthed nearby to the ex HMS M33, the only warship remaining from the Gallipoli campaign.

“To also be located near to HMS Victory, the world’s oldest commissioned warship and the flagship of Admiral Nelson is unique.

Together with the Australian High Commission in London, Anzac will co-host an official reception, and members of the ship’s company will participate in exchange opportunities with counterparts from the British armed forces.

Members of the ship’s Aviation Department, Band Detachment and Maritime Warfare team will have the opportunity to hone their skills alongside colleagues from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines while in the United Kingdom.

During the NATO Chiefs of Defence meeting on 19 and 20 May, Vice Admiral Johnston represented the Chief of the Defence Force at a Military Committee meeting on the Resolute Support Mission.

Australia remains one of the largest non-NATO contributors to the Resolute Support Mission, through a contribution of about 400 ADF personnel. This commitment continues to train, advise, and assist the Afghan security ministries and Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF).

At the meeting, Resolute Support partners agreed on the value of the current mission, and the effect it continues to have on the confidence of the ANDSF. With advisory support from international partners, the ANDSF continues to lead its own operations and take the fight to the insurgency.

“The Resolute Support Mission is having a crucial impact on Afghanistan’s stability, consolidating the gains made by the International Security Assistance Force mission before it,” Vice Admiral Johnston said.

Australia is also a significant financial contributor to the sustainment of the ANDSF, through a pledge of US$100 million annually out to 2017.

During the NATO Chiefs of Defence meeting, Vice Admiral Johnston also attended a Military Committee meeting on NATO’s Interoperability Partnership, and a Combined Forces Initiative Task Force meeting.

“At these meetings, I discussed further opportunities for Australian Defence Force practical engagement with NATO through exercises, strategic dialogue and bilateral exchanges,” Vice Admiral Johnston said.

Alongside Finland, Georgia, Jordan and Sweden, Australia was given the opportunity to become an ‘Enhanced Opportunities Partner’ by NATO in October 2014. This status reflects our longstanding contribution in Afghanistan and continued commitment to being a valued NATO partner.

Media contact:Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/21/chief-of-joint-operations-welcomes-australias-strong-partnership-with-nato/feed/New advanced Air Force capability demonstrated in Canberrahttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/20/new-advanced-air-force-capability-demonstrated-in-canberra/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/20/new-advanced-air-force-capability-demonstrated-in-canberra/#commentsWed, 20 May 2015 06:33:28 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8086Senior Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel in Canberra today toured an Air Force C-17A Globemaster fitted with a new advanced satellite communication and imagery display system for its crew and passengers.

The newly-installed system was used to stream full motion video on large screens in the aircraft from a Heron remotely piloted Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operating 2000km away over Woomera Test Range in South Australia.

The new system is an outcome of Plan Jericho, the plan to transform Air Force and the wider ADF into a fighting force that capitalises on the high technology systems that are being introduced over the next few years.

Director of Plan Jericho, Group Captain Robert Chipman, said that the system was a good example of exploiting and connecting capabilities that Air Force, Army and Navy currently operate.

“The networks and systems demonstrated in Canberra today allow passengers in the aircraft to receive live updates and video of their destination, such as enemy positions or disaster damaged areas, right up to the point of insertion,” said Group Captain Chipman.

“The systems may also provide utility in supporting other kinds of operations such as Aeromedical Evacuations by giving medical staff on board the ability to video conference with specialists on the ground.”

Plan Jericho will look at all aspects of ADF operations and support – systems, command and control, training, simulation, organisational structure, trade groups – to ensure Air Force, Army and Navy jointly operate their new and existing capabilities in the most effective manner.

The aircraft was in Canberra as part of the Air Force’s Jericho Dawn series of capability demonstrations.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/20/new-advanced-air-force-capability-demonstrated-in-canberra/feed/International participation in Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 2015http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/18/international-participation-in-exercise-talisman-sabre-2015/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/18/international-participation-in-exercise-talisman-sabre-2015/#commentsMon, 18 May 2015 00:28:22 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8080Australia and the United States are preparing for Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 2015, the largest combined military exercise undertaken by the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The exercise, scheduled to take place early to mid July 2015, is the principal Australia and United States (US) bilateral training activity focussed on the planning and conduct of mid-intensity ‘high-end’ warfighting.

Defence forces from New Zealand and Japan will join the exercise this year.

Australia’s Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral David Johnston, said the inclusion of the New Zealand and Japanese forces would enable the ADF to deepen its engagement with close defence partners in the region but did not change the bilateral nature of the exercise between Australia and the United States.

“The primary aim of the exercise remains improving Australia-US readiness and the way we operate together through combined training,” VADM Johnston said.

About 40 members from the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) will work with US forces in the conduct of the exercise. A New Zealand contingent of over 500 personnel, including ships and aircraft, will operate as part of the Australian forces.

“There will also be a broader International Observer program with participation from foreign officials,” VADM Johnston said.

“While Exercise TALISMAN SABRE remains Australia’s premier bilateral exercise with the United States, it provides an excellent opportunity for the ADF to practice operating with the New Zealand Defence Force and JSDF in a realistic training environment.”

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/18/international-participation-in-exercise-talisman-sabre-2015/feed/Army bids farewell to Chiefhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/15/army-bids-farewell-to-chief/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/15/army-bids-farewell-to-chief/#commentsFri, 15 May 2015 04:07:53 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8077The Chief of the Australian Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO, officially handed over the command of the Army at a parade in Canberra today.

After four years as the Army’s Chief, Lieutenant General Morrison has passed command to Lieutenant General Angus Campbell, DSC, AM.

Lieutenant General Morrison expressed his gratitude to his colleagues, friends and family for their support during his 36 year career which has included roles in Operation Lagoon in Papua New Guinea, INTERFET in Timor Leste; Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (2 RAR), Commander of the 3rd Brigade, and Commander, Forces Command.

“It has been an honour and privilege to serve with and lead the talented men and women, military and civilian, of the Australian Army,” he said.

“At all levels in our Army, from General to Lance Corporal you have my enduring respect for the manner in which you put service before self in the Nation’s name. To the soldiers – you are our Army and your capacity for selfless courage is second to none.

“Today I hand over stewardship to Lieutenant General Campbell with levels of capability at their highest in our history and with a culture made stronger by the commitment of all to live to our values of courage, initiative, respect and teamwork.

“I am confident there is no one more capable to take charge of our Army than Lieutenant General Campbell.”

Lieutenant General Campbell has served as the Commander of the Joint Agency Task Force for Operation Sovereign Borders, overseen operations in the Middle East as Commander Joint Task Force 633 and commanded on operations in Timor-Leste. Lieutenant General Campbell will officially take command of the Australian Army at 12:01am, Saturday, 16 May 2015.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/15/army-bids-farewell-to-chief/feed/Top United States honour for Australian procurement chiefhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/15/top-united-states-honour-for-australian-procurement-chief/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/15/top-united-states-honour-for-australian-procurement-chief/#commentsThu, 14 May 2015 23:05:26 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8072Recently-retired chief executive of Australia’s Defence Materiel Organisation, Mr Warren King, has been awarded the United States Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service in an investiture ceremony in Washington DC today.

The Secretary of the Australian Department of Defence, Mr Dennis Richardson AO and acting Chief Executive Officer of the Defence Materiel Organisation Harry Dunstall, congratulated Mr King on the prestigious award.

Mr King was nominated for the award in recognition of his leadership and project management expertise as Chief Executive Officer of the Defence Materiel Organisation.

The Honourable Frank Kendall III, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, representing the United States Secretary of Defense, presented the medal to Mr King in a ceremony at the Pentagon in the presence of His Excellency the Honourable Kim Beazley AC, Australian Ambassador to the United States, Mr King’s family, and senior United States defence officials.

Under Secretary Kendall said that Mr King’s award recognised the successful partnership between the United States and Australia and Mr King’s personal contribution to cooperation in new, leading-edge technology areas.

“Mr King played a significant role in the Australia-United States Ministerial Defense Acquisition Committee where he enhanced the connectivity at the operational and working levels across cooperative acquisition, logistics support, research and development, and the test and evaluation of defence equipment,” Under Secretary Kendall said.

“The distinctive accomplishments of Mr King reflect great credit upon himself and the Australian Department of Defence.”

Mr King stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of the Defence Materiel Organisation on 27 February 2015 after a distinguished career spanning almost five decades in Defence and industry, including 20 years of service with the Royal Australian Navy and a short-term secondment to work under the United States Secretary of the Navy on acquisition reform.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/15/top-united-states-honour-for-australian-procurement-chief/feed/Successful boom contact for Air Force’s multi-role tanker transporthttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/14/successful-boom-contact-for-air-forces-multi-role-tanker-transport/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/14/successful-boom-contact-for-air-forces-multi-role-tanker-transport/#commentsThu, 14 May 2015 06:04:48 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8070The first air refuelling boom contact has been made by a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) crew of the KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft.

During a three-hour flight from RAAF Base Amberley on 13 May 2015, the crew deployed the 17-metre long Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) which is mounted beneath the tail of the fuselage.

Using fly-by-wire controls, the crew made 14 successful contacts between the ARBS and a refuelling receptacle of another KC-30A, although no fuel was transferred. Air Vice-Marshal Gavin Turnbull, Air Commander Australia, said air-to-air refuelling required both KC-30As to fly in close formation at more than 500 kilometres per hour, and an altitude of 7,000 metres.

“More training flights are being flown to ensure aircrew are experienced with the operation of the ARBS,” Air Vice-Marshal Turnbull said.

“We will shortly begin training flights with the KC-30A using its ARBS to refuel the E-7A Wedgetail.

“The KC-30A has already been cleared to refuel other aircraft in-flight with its hose-and-drogue refuelling pods, which are mounted beneath the wings.

“The refuelling pods have been used to great effect in Operation OKRA by refuelling RAAF Hornets and Super Hornets over Iraq, as well as on Coalition strike aircraft.”

The ARBS can offload fuel at 4500 litres per minute, and is also compatible with refuelling the C-17A Globemaster. In future, the ARBS will also refuel the F-35A Lightning and P-8A Poseidon.

“Air refuelling aircraft, like the KC-30A, are always in high demand as they are true force multipliers,” Air Vice-Marshal Turnbull said.

“This demand will increase further in the early part of the next decade, as Australia alone will have approximately 100 aircraft that will require use of the ARBS.

“The introduction of boom refuelling to the KC-30A significantly increases the utility of a cornerstone capability for Defence,” Air Vice-Marshal Turnbull said.

The RAAF operates five KC-30As, the first being introduced in mid-2011. Each KC-30A can carry more than 100 tonnes of fuel, allowing it to fly out to a range of 1800 kilometres from its home base, remain for four hours and offload 50 tonnes of fuel.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/14/successful-boom-contact-for-air-forces-multi-role-tanker-transport/feed/Flight Camp offers a taste of Air Force lifehttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/14/flight-camp-offers-a-taste-of-air-force-life/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/14/flight-camp-offers-a-taste-of-air-force-life/#commentsThu, 14 May 2015 03:31:55 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8067Young women have again been given a chance to experience Air Force life with the second Flight Camp for 2015 being held at RAAF Base Amberley this week.

Students from across Australia were today welcomed by the Senior Australian Defence Force Officer (SADFO) at RAAF Base Amberley, Air Commodore Scott Winchester, to experience the exciting aviation and technical trade careers available within the Air Force.

“The camps are held over four days and allow these young women to explore aviation roles through targeted experiential program,” AIRCDRE Winchester said.

“Hosting these young women and learning how motivated they are to succeed, makes me confident in the next generation of youth.”

Whilst being exposed to military aviation operations, the participants also experience the day to day routine of an Air Force base and have several opportunities to engage with current Air Force members and Defence Force Recruiting specialists to discuss possible careers within the military.

Deputy Director for Air Force Gender Programs, Wing Commander Llani Kennealy said the Flight Camp program was open to young women aged between 16 and 18 years, providing them with an insight of what life in the Air Force was really like.

“Although aircrew, technical trades and engineering are the largest employment groups in Air Force, they hold the lowest overall representation from women,” WGCDR Kennealy said.

“I am hopeful that the opportunities they receive at the Flight Camp, including flying in Air Force aircraft and simulators, leadership activities and physical training inspires them to consider a career in Air Force.”

Participants for the camp are from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory. The Flight Camp is part of the Air Force Work Experience Program, further information can be found at: http://www.defence.gov.au/WorkExperience/Default.asp

Anzac departed Sydney in March 2015, and has transited the Southern Ocean, Indian Ocean, the Red Sea and Suez Canal before arriving in the Mediterranean Sea.

During the five month deployment, the ship has represented Australia at Centenary of Anzac commemorative events in the Sea of Marmara, Cape Helles, Gallipoli and Italy, and is continuing to do so in Malta.

While in Malta, members of ship’s company will participate in a commemorative service at the Cappucini Naval Cemetery, Kalkara. Two sailors are among the 27 Australian service personnel buried at the cemetery.

Together with the Australian High Commission in Valletta, Anzac will co-host an official reception during the port visit, and Anzac’s Commanding Officer Commander Belinda Wood, RAN, will also host a mentoring session with female members of the Maltese Armed Forces.

“Before arriving at Valletta, Anzac has proudly represented Australia at major Centenary of Anzac commemorative events across the region,” Commander Wood said.

“It is significant that we are able to visit the Cappucini Naval Cemetery where Australian Navy sailors are buried.

“Australia has a significant population of Maltese descent, and we are proud to be able to represent the Australian people during this visit.

“It is a special privilege for me to be able to work with Maltese women during our visit, and our crew looks forward to being able to learn about the Maltese culture,” she said.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/11/media-release-australian-navy-frigate-visits-valletta-malta/feed/HMAS Newcastle commences Middle East patrolshttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/11/hmas-newcastle-commences-middle-east-patrols/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/11/hmas-newcastle-commences-middle-east-patrols/#commentsSun, 10 May 2015 21:14:59 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8055HMAS Newcastle has arrived in the Middle East Region and has commenced her first patrol as part of Operation MANITOU after officially joining the operation on 1 May 2015.

Newcastle departed for her first patrol as part of a six-month rotation that will see her cover approximately 2.5 million square miles of international waters to conduct maritime security operations in the region.

The ship’s Commanding Officer, Commander Dominic MacNamara, RAN, said Newcastle’s mission is to contribute to the maritime security and overall stability of the region.

“The ship’s company are well trained for the operational challenges ahead as we build on the success of the previous Royal Australian Navy contributions to Combined Maritime Forces,” he said.

“Whether at sea or ashore, Australia has a proven track record of deliver positive results for maritime security and stability and Newcastle’s time here will be just as productive.”

Commander MacNamara said the dedication shown by the crew of Newcastle in preparing for their latest mission was crucial to enable the ship to face the coming months at sea in a very dynamic operational environment.

“I also want to thank our family and friends for their support, which is essential to the success of any deployment,” he said.

This is Newcastle’s fifth deployment, having most recently been in the region in 2013, and the 60th rotation of a Royal Australian Navy ship to the region since the first Gulf War in 1990.

Newcastle replaces HMAS Success on Operation MANITOU, Australia’s contribution to the international security and stability effort in the Middle East Region, which includes counter terrorism, counter piracy and narcotics interdiction.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/11/hmas-newcastle-commences-middle-east-patrols/feed/Captain Wales concludes his attachment with the ADFhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/08/captain-wales-concludes-his-attachment-with-the-adf/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/08/captain-wales-concludes-his-attachment-with-the-adf/#commentsFri, 08 May 2015 06:23:00 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8050Captain Harry Wales has completed his four week military exchange with the Australian Defence Force.

After returning to Australia from Centenary of Anzac commemorations in Gallipoli, Captain Wales has completed the final two weeks of his Australian Army attachment, training with soldiers of the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) in Perth Western Australia and the 2nd Commando Regiment in Sydney New South Wales.

Captain Wales challenged himself against elements of the gruelling SASR selection course, including a fitness test and a physical training session with SASR selection candidates.

Captain Wales also joined SASR members in Perth for live fire shooting exercises with numerous Special Forces weapons at a variety of ranges and completed an insertion training exercise using a rigid hull inflatable boat.

Training activities included remotely detonating an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and repelling from a building.

Captain Wales also spent time flying over Sydney as co-pilot of an Army Black Hawk and participated in counter-terrorism training on Sydney Harbour with Royal Australian Navy clearance divers.

While at the Australian Army’s Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney, Captain Wales visited the high performance rehabilitation wing of the Soldier Recovery Centre and participated in a mountain bike training activity alongside some of the Army’s wounded, injured and ill members.

During the first phase of his Australian military attachment Captain Wales spent two weeks in the Northern Territory which included meeting the local Indigenous community, a patrol with the North-West Mobile Force (NORFORCE) in the remote Kununurra region and time with 1st Brigade in Darwin where he flew an Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) Tiger.

Captain Wales’ attachment with the Australian Defence Force officially concludes on Friday, 8 May 2015, after which he will depart for an official Royal tour to New Zealand.

While in Brindisi, members of ship’s company will commemorate military service alongside colleagues from the Marina Militare (Italian Navy) at the Bari War Cemetery and at the Monument for Italian Sailors.

Together with the Australian Embassy in Rome, Anzac will co-host an official reception during the port visit, and Anzac’s Commanding Officer Commander Belinda Wood, RAN, will also host a mentoring session with female members of the Italian military.

“The original ANZACs of 100 years ago served throughout the Mediterranean, and it is significant that we are able to visit the Bari War Cemetery where two Australian Navy personnel are among the 43 Australian military members buried there,” Commander Wood said.

“We are also proud to be able to attend a wreath laying ceremony at the Monument for Italian Sailors, where we recognise the camaraderie that Australian and Italian mariners have shared over the years.

“I look forward to working with members of the Marina Militare and Brindisi community, and my crew are looking forward to enjoying the famous Italian cuisine and culture,” Commander Wood said.

Anzac departed Sydney in March 2015, and transited the Southern Ocean, Indian Ocean, the Red Sea and Suez Canal before arriving in the Mediterranean Sea.

During the five month deployment, the ship has represented Australia at Centenary of Anzac commemorative events in the Sea of Marmara, Cape Helles and Gallipoli and is continuing to do so in Italy and Malta.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/08/media-release-australian-navy-frigate-visits-brindisi-italy-8-may-2015/feed/Army introduces Remembrance Pinhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/07/army-introduces-remembrance-pin/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/07/army-introduces-remembrance-pin/#commentsThu, 07 May 2015 01:16:02 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8040The Australian Army has today introduced the Army Remembrance Pin to commemorate the valued service of members who have died while in the Army; during both times of peace and war, since 3 September 1945.

Speaking at the Australian War Memorial, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO, highlighted the need to remember their contribution.

“In appreciation of the men and women who have died while in the service of our nation, we have introduced the Army Remembrance Pin to acknowledge and commemorate their contribution to our Army,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.

“This Pin is gifted to the families of deceased members as a symbol of their ongoing connection with the Australian Army.”

“Our Army is built on history, traditions and the service of those who have come before us. The Pin is intended as a family keepsake to be handed down through the generations to ensure the memory of the member and their service continues.”

The Army Remembrance Pin continues the tradition of the Mothers’ and Widows’ badges distributed to the loved ones of World War One and Two veterans who were killed in action, or who died of wounds on active service or after discharge.

The Pin will be available to eligible family members of Army members who have died while in service, both domestically and on operations, since the conclusion of World War Two.

The face of the Pin displays the Rising Sun Badge above two sprigs of laurel and is surrounded by the words In memory of their dedicated service.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/07/army-introduces-remembrance-pin/feed/DSTO showcases defence technologieshttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/05/dsto-showcases-defence-technologies/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/05/dsto-showcases-defence-technologies/#commentsTue, 05 May 2015 05:32:41 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8037The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) has opened its doors to industry and academia to showcase innovative technologies being developed to give the Australian Defence Force a capability edge.

The Partnerships Week event (4 to 8 May) is part of DSTO’s outreach campaign for closer ties with companies, universities and other research organisations.

Chief Defence Scientist, Dr Alex Zelinsky, said the event was a way for DSTO to strengthen relationships, as well as demonstrate its work which often flies under the radar.

“This event is a great opportunity for DSTO’s current and potential partners to get a close-up view of the specialist work the organisation contributes to Australia’s defence and national security,” he said.

The event includes site tours, technology demonstrations, research capability displays, and access to DSTO researchers to discuss new and emerging capabilities.

Among the attractions are new technologies to support the future soldier – the Flexoskeleton, which is a flexible device to lessen backpack loads, power-generating clothing and the Land Motion Platform that simulates the future mobile workspace for the Army.

Other technologies on display range from miniature satellites to the full-scale model of the Joint Strike Fighter being used to study the effects of lightning on the aircraft.

Dr Zelinsky said he was excited to welcome industry and academic organisations, and develop conversations around future partnerships.

“Strategic alliances are the way forward in developing Australia’s future, cutting-edge technologies. Partnerships Week will establish new discussions, as well as continue existing ones,” he said.

“We seize any opportunity we get to roll out the welcome mat and show off current projects. It’s great to be able to share our work from time to time,” he said.

The event allows external industry and research organisations to understand DSTO’s current capabilities and future research priorities, explore R&D funding opportunities and network with representatives from peer organisations.

Mr John O’Callaghan, Director Defence and Government Relations for Australian Industry Group, said defence companies appreciated the initiatives being taken by DSTO to work closely with industry and looked forward to stronger cooperation in building capabilities for the Australian Defence Force.

Known as the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), and manufactured by Boeing Defense, Space and Security, smart bombs provide an all-weather precision strike capability for Air Force.

Speaking at the delivery of the first production set of range-extending wing kits, the Defence Materiel Organisation’s Head of Helicopter Systems and Guided Weapons Division Rear Admiral Tony Dalton said one aspect of the JDAM enhancement program had been to test, certify and manufacture a range extending wing kit for the smart bomb.

“This successful project has taken an Australian idea and through an international collaboration, has turned it into a reality,” RADM Dalton said.

“These range extending wing kits almost triple the baseline range of the current smart bombs.

“These wing kits were developed by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation and are being manufactured by Ferra Engineering under contract to Boeing,” he said.

Test and evaluation flight trials of the new extended range smart bomb were successfully conducted at Woomera in December last year, with the weapons landing within metres of their designated targets.

The first set of production wing kits was delivered by Boeing today at Ferra’s Brisbane-based production facility.

The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown AO, met yesterday with F-111 Deseal/Reseal and fire-fighter representatives of those who participated in the study to discuss the report and their health concerns ahead of today’s release.

“It is important that Air Force provides the most up-to-date health information to our current and former workforce, on the effects of occupational exposure to jet fuel,” Air Marshal Brown said.

“Our people are our most important asset, and I will continue to implement practical measures, such as safe work processes and the use of protective equipment, to minimise exposure to JP8 jet fuel.

“It is important to me that our personnel both past and present, have access to this independent research,” Air Marshal Brown said.

Defence’s Senior Physician in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Doctor Ian Gardner explained that the study utilised the latest university and medical research technologies into molecular and genetic aspects of cell biology. The study found small but persistent cellular effects many years after exposure.

“The study found that while the kerosene component of jet fuel could adversely affect cells, the damage to cellular function is not expected to have immediate or adverse health effects,” Dr Gardner explained.

The study did not find any evidence of genetic or chromosomal damage in cells exposed to jet fuel or the deseal/reseal solvents. Dr Gardner explained that a positive finding was that there is no evidence found for the Jet Fuel to cause genetic or chromosomal damage that could lead to cancers.

“DVA and Defence are continuing to work on studies such as the 4th Update to the F-111 Mortality and Cancer Incidence Study and the ADF Firefighter Study which are being finalised,” Dr Gardner said.

The $3 million JFES Study was undertaken by researchers at the Mater Medical Research Institute in Brisbane led by Prof Frank Bowling. The JFES Study resulted from initial research work undertaken by Air Force personnel.

The JFES Study can be downloaded at www.airforce.gov.au, and key findings are summarised in the attached fact sheet.

Today I will focus on an update on operations in Iraq for you, but I’ll also provide an overview of some of the recent humanitarian assistance operations that we’ve conducted, particularly in Vanuatu, and our efforts with working with DFAT around Nepal and what we may provide there.

Of course, since we’ve last spoken we’ve had Anzac Day commemorations as well. If you haven’t had the chance to see it, I would encourage you to look at the ADF on Operations and Exercises Facebook website. It has some great imagery of both our operational conduct right across our theatre of operations, but also the manner in which Anzac Day was commemorated in operational areas. It was a remarkable event.

And perhaps starting on that theme then. In support of those operations I had previously mentioned that HMAS Success had been operating in the Middle East region. That ship moved out of our operational area in order to support both HMAS Anzac and the sail training ship Young Endeavour, who attended and were our representatives in a number of ceremonies across Greece and Turkey over that Anzac Weekend. We now have HMAS Newcastle is en route to commence maritime security operations within the Middle East region, and she will take up that task from Success. The majority of our Army trainers have departed Brisbane for our main logistics base in the Middle East to conduct their final preparations for the Building Partner Capacity mission in Iraq. I won’t be forecasting the date of their arrival in Iraq, based purely on operational security reasons.

If I look across the region for you perhaps and give a regional outlook. The security across the Middle East region is becoming increasingly concerning, with the Houthi insurgency destabilising Yemen and drawing airstrikes from Saudi Arabia and nine Arab allies, with Daesh also spreading its propaganda and brutal philosophy to North Africa and Afghanistan. The beheading of 30 Ethiopian Christians in Libya, the death of 33 civilians in Jalalabad, Afghanistan in a bombing claimed by Daesh, and the arrests in Melbourne and London of young men attracted to their savage cause is a reminder that Daesh is a threat that continues to require a global response. Disrupting and degrading Daesh in Iraq will act to defeat the terrorist organisation’s claims of an Islamic caliphate, and weaken the global jihad network. This is why the military campaign to defeat Daesh in Iraq is important.

Inside Iraq, in the month since I last conducted an ops update, the Iraqi and Kurdish security forces have made territorial gains, while Daesh continues to rely on asymmetric tactics to progress their objectives. The US Central Command has produced a map that is available on their website – I think you have a copy in front of you – that provides analysis of the territory held by Daesh, and since reclaimed by Iraqi security forces. According to Centcom reporting, in the quarter to April this year the Iraqi security forces have made net gains in the provinces of Ninawa, Erbil, Kirkuk, Salah ad Din, Diyala, Baghdad, and Anbar. They’re mainly to the north and east of Iraq. There have also been setbacks, but the synopsis is that the Iraqi ground forces have reclaimed more territory and inflicted more losses on Daesh than they have suffered. The momentum, while limited in some areas, overall favours the Iraqi security forces.

Royal Australian Air Force personnel assigned to the Air Task Group continue to make an important contribution through the provision and support of coalition airstrikes. Daesh has not been able to move in large military convoys on preferred highways, cannot mass forces, or operate high-value military equipment, without facing the threat of aerial attack. Daesh has maintained some freedom of movement along the Euphrates River valley, and in the border regions near Sinjar Mountain and Jordan. Daesh is increasingly operating in a defensive posture in Iraq, and its defeat in Tikrit has highlighted its vulnerability. It has not been able to seize and hold new territory; instead, it is now choosing to focus its fighting on areas in Ninawa and Anbar provinces, where there is some support from Sunni locals, and it has selectively chosen to attack specific targets in those areas. And I’ll refer to a couple of the key operational areas where some of those pressures are being experienced in a minute.

If I turn to the Building Partner Capacity mission. The coalition’s strategy to counter Daesh forces continues to be focused on efforts that build the capacity of Iraq and Kurdish forces, stop the flow of foreign fighters, deny Daesh funding, address the humanitarian crisis, and expose the true nature of Daesh. A key part of the coalition’s plan is to build the military capacity of Iraqi forces in order to help the Iraqi Government conduct effective counter-offensive operations against Daesh in order to enable it to re-establish control over the border and their territory. As you’re aware, the Australian Government recently approved the deployment of the Building Partner Capacity Mission, comprised of approximately 300 Australian Army personnel who will operate in partnership with approximately 110 New Zealand defence personnel. The Australian headquarters task group include elements for headquarters functions, a very significant force protection capability, training teams, and support staff.

The deployment of the advanced party has commenced, and the collective force, which will be called Task Group Taji, with the Australian contingent operating under our Operation OKRA. The mission is a non-combat behind-the-wire training task within the Taji military complex, which is located north-west of Baghdad. Our training of the Iraqi Army will help the ground forces to counter Daesh attacks, slow their momentum, and roll back the claims to Iraqi sovereign territory.

According to US Central Command there are around 1500 coalition troops now contributing to the advise, assist, and Building Partner Capacity missions in Iraq. There are five Building Partner Capacity sites: Al Asad in Anbar province, Erbil, Baghdad, Taji where we will operate north of Baghdad, and Bismayah south-east of Baghdad, where Iraqi security forces and Kurdish forces are being trained through a period of instruction that varies depending on the training force, but is upwards of six weeks and at times longer than that.

Building Partner Capacity mission will continue to build Iraq’s military capabilities, encompassing the development of individual skill sets through to brigade-levels training. The objective for us is to be able to enable the Iraqi security forces to manoeuvre and command their forces in operations, provide support to counter-offensive activities, build their survivability and intelligence-gathering skills, particularly in countering improvised explosive devices, obstacle clearing and breaching, and improve their professional military conduct, for instance through the use of laws of armed conflict and rules of engagement. Our training of Iraqi security forces will allow us to provide skills and competencies to their forces that compliments other coalition enablers, such as airstrike, airborne intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, and partnership at the headquarters level where we work on their operational planning. This will help the Iraqi ground forces to counter Daesh, and roll back the hold Daesh has on parts of Iraq territory.

Building Partner Capacity trainers come from a number of countries, including Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, and the United States. Already these training sites have graduated more than 6500 security forces, with another 5000 under training.

For our advise and assist mission, where the Australian Special Operations Task Group continues to work with Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service, is achieving very good results, successfully coordinating clearance operations and assisting the Iraqi forces in their fights against Daesh. The CTS is a key Iraqi fighting force that we continue to enable through our training. With the commencement of our Building Partner Capacity mission, the Australian primary training contribution will shift over time from the Special Operations Task Group towards the BPC mission. The drawdown of our Special Operations Task Group later this year will be consistent with the increasing coalition focus on training and building the capacity of Iraqi regular forces.

I will now provide an update on two of the key of the key operational regions, starting with Baiji oil refinery. Daesh has attacked and taken control of Syrian and Iraqi oil facilities as part of its efforts to fund its military campaign. One of those key installations of strategic importance is the Baiji oil refinery, located north of Baghdad. This facility has the capacity to process 300,000 barrels of oil a day, equating to about one-third of Iraq’s oil output. However, since fighting began now more than 10 months ago, the refinery has been inactive. Daesh launched their most recent attack on the refinery in mid-April, and breached the outer perimeter using vehicles packed with explosives.

In and around both the refinery and the city, several hundred Daesh fighters have been fighting against the ISF. Iraqi forces are continuing to hold the refinery with support from the coalition and through the advise and assist elements. This coalition effort has helped re-open the line of communication to allow the Iraqi forces to be resupplied and reinforced. According to coalition reporting, more than half of the Daesh fighting forces have been killed, and more than 50 vehicles and weapons systems destroyed through close air support using over 90 airstrikes against enemy targets by coalition forces, and our Air Task Group has contributed to some of these. It assessed that many of the Daesh fighters now attacking the Baiji refinery had fled Tikrit, just 40 kilometres from Baiji, after the decisive defeat of ISIL in Tikrit last month.

In Anbar province, Daesh has refocused and reinforced its efforts around a provincial centre of Ramadi, which has experienced a degradation in security. Daesh seized villages around the city, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes. The resulting action by Daesh has created a significant humanitarian crisis in the Anbar province, as hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have become internally displaced. In recent days, Iraqi security forces have been able to push through and re-secure the centre of Ramadi, while driving a number of Daesh forces from elements of that city. A large force of Daesh fighters of more than 1000 are estimated to be operating in that area. Tunnel structures, dozens of fighting positions, and a numbers of vehicles and weapons have been badly damaged and destroyed; however, the area does remain heavily contested.

Iraqi security forces have recently captured a key bridge on the Euphrates River after fierce clashes with Daesh militants in the western section of Ramadi. The bridge was controlled by Daesh for several months and served as a main supply route for their insurgents. The capture of the bridge denies Daesh vital resupply routes to the west and north, requiring their fighters to take higher risks on routes that are less secure and harder to navigate. Our Hornets from the Air Task Group have been involved in deliberate strikes in this area against Daesh fighting positions, sniper hides, and enemy fighters attempting to lay improvised explosive devices.

For our air operations more generally. Our task group has continued to provide support through northern, eastern, and western Iraq. In the past month, 60 strike sorties involving the hornets have delivered 24 500-pound bombs against a variety of targets, including more recently over the last weekend seven weapons released against targets in a single mission in northern Iraq. The E-7 Wedgetail has continued its role in airspace coordination and control, flying over 90 hours for the month. And the KC-30 air-to-air tanker has maintained a very high tempo, with 30 sorties through the month of April, delivering 1200 tonnes of fuel.

That completes the Iraq update. I’ll now just turn to the humanitarian operations that the ADF has been involved in, starting with our contribution toward(*) Vanuatu. As you would recall, Vanuatu experienced Tropical Cyclone Pam, which was a Category 5 cyclone that caused significant damage across the country. The ADF performed a major part of the immediate relief effort by a number of countries, with our objective of repairing key infrastructure, restoring basic services, and delivering humanitarian assistance and stores. We delivered 200 pallets of cargo by air, and a further 50 pallets in HMAS Tobruk. In one of the worst-hit southern provinces army engineers, army Black Hawk helicopters, RAAF C-130 Hercules transporter aircraft, operating in cooperation with the Tobruk, transported 100 tonnes of food into and around the province.

On the island of Tanna, which is down in the south-east of the Vanuatu group, army engineers repaired water pumps, a church in time for important Easter services, several schools throughout the area – [coughs] excuse me- and a badly damaged hospital. At Dillon’s Bay in Erromango Australian Army soldiers conducted repairs to a primary school, secondary school, and delivered additional humanitarian aid. We ran an air bridge from RAAF Base Amberley near Brisbane into Vanuatu that commenced two days after the cyclone went through – cyclone impacted on Friday night, and by the Sunday the air bridge was open and we were moving humanitarian stores and people.

Our air force completed 260 sorties in support of the relief operations using the C-17 Globemaster, C-130 Hercules, our AP-3 Orion – which provided surveillance, particularly of the outer island group – and our King Air aircraft, which we use for internal support within Vanuatu. And through that contribution we moved significant cargo, including hygiene kits, blankets, sleeping mats, shelter kits, insect nets, water storage and purification capabilities, on behalf of a number of government agencies. The Tobruk, which came and stayed [indistinct] Townsville, where it embarked elements of the 3rd Combat Engineering Regiment, which provided a heavy engineering capability which was well used throughout a number of the islands. Tobruk sailed- well arrived in Port Vila on 23 March, and remained there until its return to Townsville on 16 April.

Finally to Nepal. Following the earthquake in Nepal and the devastating circumstances on Saturday, we have been working with the Department of Foreign Affairs to determine the best contribution that the ADF can provide in support, and we’re currently planning around using some of the C-17 Globemasters in order to move humanitarian aid and a number of support groups into Nepal. The timing of this mission is in part driven by our access into the airport in Kathmandu; it has been heavily congested since the earthquake struck. As an example, there are only nine parking bays at the airport for aircraft, so with the many nations that are now seeking to contribute, we’ve got work to do to desynchronise(*) our own arrivals, and I’m expecting that should be able to occur later this week.

I will stop there, and I’m happy to take questions across those areas that I have briefed.

QUESTION: Just on Nepal, have we been able to get any aircraft in so far or any – are there any military people on the ground there now?

DAVID JOHNSTON: We have not been able to get any ADF aircraft in there yet. The – DFAT has deployed a consulate response team which is on the ground in Kathmandu now but they move via civilian means not by military means.

QUESTION: Vice Admiral, can I – just on Nepal as well, there was the suggestion of air flights out for Australians. When do you think that could begin?

DAVID JOHNSTON: That will commence as soon as we can get our aircraft in. So, the aircraft will be available to move people out from Kathmandu. The intention at this point is to stage back into Bangkok where we will hand them across to DFAT for managing them from there but right from the first entry and I’m hopeful that may be as early as Thursday but it is all around airport access for us. Those aircraft, on their initial entry, will be available to take people back out with them.

QUESTION: So you’ll be – aid will be taken in there by military aircraft and those empty aircraft will take people back…

DAVID JOHNSTON: That’s right…

QUESTION: …is that the idea?

DAVID JOHNSTON: Yes, that is.

QUESTION: On Globemasters and…

DAVID JOHNSTON: Just on the C-17 Globemaster.

QUESTION: Just C-17.

DAVID JOHNSTON: Yes.

QUESTION: Has any aircraft let Australia yet?

DAVID JOHNSTON: I’m expecting – an announcement will be made by the Minister very shortly about the timing of our aircraft departure. That should be today.

QUESTION: And how many Defence members are going over on those planes?

DAVID JOHNSTON: We will provide – in these circumstances some support to the head of mission, that’ll be a small team but when we use our aircraft in this manner, particularly in an environment where we know the airport is very congested, we will have a small team that enables us to unload the aircraft ourselves and not rely on any of the capabilities that the airport itself may have. We’ll – and part of that then particularly for evacuating Australians or others, we have to do a normal screening process, make sure they’re medically fit to fly, that they aren’t carrying any dangerous cargo that would be brought on to the aircraft. So, part of the aircraft will have what we call an evacuation handling capability to assist people in their embarkation on the aircraft and a small security team to provide security to the aircraft while it’s on the ground. So…

QUESTION: [Inaudible]

DAVID JOHNSTON: …so I’m expecting less than 10 will stay, will work with head of mission directly. In the order of 25 people that will remain in Nepal to provide support to the aircraft coming and going and then a smaller team that will remain with each aircraft that provides that medical support and security while the aircraft’s in the air.

QUESTION: Is the airport damaged in any way?

DAVID JOHNSTON: No, to our knowledge it’s operating fully. I think the – congestion is the issue and in some parts – some of the normal operators at the airport, the Nepalese, have had to go home to look after their families. So, there is an impact on capacity but the facilities are working.

QUESTION: Just on Iraq, Julie Bishop obviously visited Iran just recently. What is the – is there any strategic or intelligence or other benefit from greater cooperation with Iran? Has anything come out of that visit that you’re aware of that is actually helping us in Iraq?

DAVID JOHNSTON: I think one of the objectives of the Foreign Minister’s visit was to explain to the Iranians who clearly have a shared interest in what occurs both inside Iraq and against Daesh was to explain the nature of the Australia contribution. It’s – it was very important in terms of making it clear what we are doing and what we’re not doing, reinforcing that we are there at the invitation of the Government of Iraq, we are operating at a non-combat role through all our on the ground contribution and that we are remaining inside the wire so it was very much about explaining what we are doing and providing clarity to the Government of Iran and the nature of our contribution.

QUESTION: Was there a lack of clarity there?

DAVID JOHNSTON: It was – we have been – those are the same messages that we have said but the personal contact is always important in those circumstances and having someone of the Foreign Minister’s stature deliver that message is very valuable.

QUESTION: How do you envisage the intelligence sharing agreement working in Iraq in the short term, for example, if some Australian soldiers were under threat for some way if the Taji Airbase came under threat for example, do you imagine that we might get some real time intelligence from the Iranians that said okay, we might need to move our people out of here or take such and such security measures? Could it work that way?

DAVID JOHNSTON: I haven’t seen the detail yet of exactly how that will manifest itself. I know some of it was based around sharing information with the Government of Iran – may have it about Australians or other nationals that may be operating inside Iraq or Syria based on their own access to information but the manner in which it translates to that which we could use militarily, is not yet clear to me.

QUESTION: Is there any more detail in the mission that seven Australian strikes happened in one go? Is there – like you said Northern Iraq, anywhere – any more information?

DAVID JOHNSTON: The nature of that strike that occurred over the weekend, was it was against an ISIL staging facility in Northern part of Iraq. It was north of Mosul. It was quite a significant facility where we were aware that they were massing forces in and were using it as a build up area to bring equipment and people. So, it was significant in terms of the number of weapons we delivered through our aircraft to it and the strikes were successful.

QUESTION: Any more detail of how successful? Was – obliterated or?

DAVID JOHNSTON: It – as seven 500 pound bombs do, it caused significant damage and certainly created the effect that we were seeking which was destroying equipment, largely that had been built there but there were also people operating in that area that would have died as a consequence of that strike.

QUESTION: How strategic was the overall mission then?

DAVID JOHNSTON: It – part of – a very – well, a significant ongoing air campaign so it’s just one element of a much broader air campaign. The work that the coalition is doing around Mosul is about setting the stage for future operations towards Mosul and an element of that is denying the ability for Daesh to resupply and reinforce Mosul and as it builds its defences around Mosul, the coalition air effort is breaking that down. So, it’s setting the environment for success in the future for the ground operations and making sure that we’ve done all that we can to make the ground operation successful.

QUESTION: What [indistinct]? Fortification of some sort or?

DAVID JOHNSTON: It was a compound facility so it was a fairly large compound that – as many of them are in that area, that had a defensive parameter around it, a number of facilities in which they were able to store and locate equipment in. So, isolated in terms of it wasn’t in Mosul, it was outside. There wasn’t a lot of infrastructure around it but that made it present as a fairly uncomplicated target but one which had military value.

QUESTION: Vice Admiral, Air Commodore Steve Roberton and he said there had been an incident where – I’m not sure if it was one of the Hornets or the Super Hornets had used its machine guns and he said we might be able to ask you about the detail of that. Can you tell us anymore about that?

DAVID JOHNSTON: That’s been one of a very limited occasions, particularly at that – the use of the weaponry would tend to be in those circumstances where – and I can’t recall the exact specifics. I do remember that incident occurring, in those circumstances where troops may be in contact and there is an immediate threat to the Iraqi security forces on the ground and an environment where aircraft either can’t – because they may not have weapons, the bombs, in particular, are left but they’re seeking to provide support either to enable a security force to extract from a situation where there could be a risk of being overrun, a weapon that is available in the Hornets is their gun capability. So, unusual for them to come down that low because of the risks it presents to the aircraft from doing so but in a circumstance where they think the risks are warranted and can be managed, that is a weapon set that is available to them to use but a judgment call that is made very much by the air crew based on the information that they’ve got about the urgency and their own assessment of risks at the time.

QUESTION: How low do they have to go in those circumstance?

DAVID JOHNSTON: That is beyond me so it – they would normally operate at a reasonable altitude in measured in the thousands of feet typically if you are conducting strafing operations like that it is much lower.

QUESTION: Is that low enough to shoot – to use their machine guns, presumable people on the ground are…

DAVID JOHNSTON: Yes, correct, that’s right.

QUESTION: …close enough to use [indistinct].

DAVID JOHNSTON: Yes.

QUESTION: Is it a machine gun or some sort of cannon?

DAVID JOHNSTON: It’s a cannon that the Hornet carries inside it.

QUESTION: [Indistinct] did this happen?

DAVID JOHNSTON: This event was months ago. So, it isn’t a recent – it was quite actually – quite early in our air task group campaign.

QUESTION: The Prime Minister was recently in France. What are we doing in terms of cooperation with France? What was the benefits of that visit there do you think in terms of our operations?

DAVID JOHNSTON: And I can only answer in the context of our operations with France. If I give that to you in a number of elements during the recent support in Vanuatu, we worked very closely with the French forces that came out of New Caledonia where we have an ongoing relationship, particularly in the Pacific with them. We supported them in – well, we had elements working with our task group headquarters on the ground in Port Vila where we coordinated which areas we were working, supporting aircraft movements between each other so the French engagement operationally is important and equally in the Middle East where we cooperate, French is part of the coalition fighting Daesh across Iraq. They’ve provided a number of different contributions. So, we as part of that broader coalition community have an important relationship with them.

QUESTION: So, the majority of trainers have left and you can’t say when they will arrive, when will they all go then? Who – how many are still to go?

DAVID JOHNSTON: We have – the last element of the main body will shortly be the final group to move so that will have all the forces having left Australia. They typically spend about a week or slightly less in our staging base in the Middle East. The process we go through there they acclimatise, they reset your body clock around a new time zone but we step them through what’s called a reception integration program. We update them on the threat environment that they’re going to, bit of a top up in their cultural education and we have an improvised explosive device training facility and a medical training facility there so it’s a final top up for them on the key skills that they need and then they move onwards into Iraq from there.

QUESTION: Final group will move soon – just soonish?

DAVID JOHNSTON: Yes, yes.

QUESTION: And from my understanding is it’s still that they will start operating by mid next month, is that correct?

DAVID JOHNSTON: We will start – so we are already present in part in Taji now to set ourselves up and there will be a graduated handover so the – at Taji Military Complex at the moment the US are providing training to parts of Iraqi brigades. We will iteratively take on that training role so the US will step back as our forces are consolidated and available to commence that training so we’re already in discussions with the Iraqi commanders on the ground with the US commanders there so progressively over this next month our role will increase as we take on the lead for that function.

QUESTION: How important has the Australian role been at the Baiji Oil Refinery, and do you believe that that facility can be held by the Iraqis?

DAVID JOHNSTON: It is important our task group contribution to it has been important. The other contribution we’ve been making is that some of the counter-terrorism service forces that have been essential to holding Baiji have been advised and assisted by our own people. So we have an influence in part through the training that the Special Operations Task Group is delivering in up-skilling that force that has gone into Baiji to assist it to be held.

Baiji has been a target of Daesh right from the start. It’s important because of what it is as an oil infrastructure. It’s also important because of where it is. So it is on the major route between Baghdad and Mosul, so it’s a key node that as the future battle for Mosul is executed, Baiji and holding that terrain in order to allow the offensive force first to move through it but then the resupply forces to be able to continue to flow, Baiji is important to it.

So we’ve seen Daesh and the recent – the mid-April offensive was a very determined effort. They did breach the outer perimeter, got through it. They held some of the buildings in and around the perimeter. That’s what the Iraqi Security Forces, now having secured it, are still to go through and clear all of the Daesh forces from there so it – that – it does remain a contested environment. My expectation is Daesh will where it has the capacity to continue to hold it under threat while they can do so.

QUESTION: [Indistinct] carry out air strikes there?

DAVID JOHNSTON: In and around the facility, yes. Not so much recently, but over the last few months, we have been involved in striking some of the Daesh forces in the Baiji area and including up to the perimeter of the air field – of the oil refinery itself.

QUESTION: I’m sorry, that’s the first time that Daesh have breached the perimeter since the Iraqis retook…?

DAVID JOHNSTON: Of this nature. So they’d been contesting it but they had a fairly sizeable force that managed to breach that perimeter. So it was more tenuous than it has been over the last 10 months.

QUESTION: [Inaudible].

DAVID JOHNSTON: No, mid-April.

QUESTION: In terms of international support, intelligence, information about foreign fighters and so on, are we getting any benefit from the Indonesian military, Indonesian intelligence, Indonesian Government in terms of the mission in Iraq and Syria?

DAVID JOHNSTON: A better question part(*) placed particularly for our agencies that are operating with some of the Indonesian intelligence agencies. I don’t get to see that. If there is information being provided, it’s more likely to be passed through conduits straight into the Coalition, where it would get merged with all the…

QUESTION: They’re not part of the Coalition there, are they?

DAVID JOHNSTON: No. No.

QUESTION: Christine Milne said this week that Australian troops could be implicated in war crimes for working alongside Shia militias. What do you say in response to that, and what is the ADF doing to ensure that they are working with the right people?

DAVID JOHNSTON: We are not working with Shia militias, would be the most important point I would make. All of our training is targeted around the Iraqi security forces, so none of the training that we are delivering nor the air strikes – and the Coalition had a very clear position that its work is to support the Iraqi security forces, not the Shia militia on the ground. So our training is all about the Iraqi security force. Some of the procedures that we have in place, even with Iraqi security forces – and the US have an imposed requirements called the Leahy commitments, where they have to screen the senior members of any elements that they’re training, and we are the beneficiary of some of that advice as they conduct the screening. So both the forces that will come to us for training in part will be screened and we will have our own, as is already the case in part now, but a biometric screening program of those who are being trained and if we determine through us or Coalition partners that there are sensitive individuals amongst it, either because of the threat they pose to us or actions that they may have been involved in the past, that information will be passed to the Iraqis and we’ll manage it accordingly.

QUESTION: [Indistinct] Iraqi Government had brought some Shia militias into some sort of semi-official organisation. Do they then get passed on to us in any way, or how do we say we’re not going to – do we say we’re not going to train these people?

DAVID JOHNSTON: So we are working with uniformed Iraqi security forces. Some of those initiatives are about taking selected militia groups – not all of them – and rerolling them into a national guard force. You may hear the term a popular mobilisation group, so there are a number of different terms that are being used, but the Iraqi Government is doing that in part because it’s important that it’s able to excise control over these groups and by rolling them in to be part of the security structure able to exercise more influence on what they do, but that’s not who we’re training.

QUESTION: [Indistinct] sorry, was a report in the – I think it was the Wall Street Journal a little while ago that some of the regular Iraqi troops were moonlighting with militias on their days off. Are you aware of that and is there anything we can do to weed out the people who are doing that from amongst those that we’re training?

DAVID JOHNSTON: It – that is principally an issue for the Iraqi Government to control in terms – these are – if it’s soldiers in the Iraqi security force and the way they are conducting themselves. We haven’t – we’re not close enough to see, because we’re not on the ground with them, individuals who might be switching in and out of one force from the other. But our biometric screening program is then an important part of if we do through – and as an example, on occasions, improvised explosive devices may be brought back to us for exploitation purposes. Part of that is trying to take biometric lifts from that of who may have been using it; those kind of triggers. If we find information that would implicate people who we have awareness of, then that’s information that we would act on.

QUESTION: I’m just thinking your overall assessment. You started off by saying that the situation in the Middle East is increasingly concerning. Can you say that the momentum is still on the Coalition side?

DAVID JOHNSTON: Inside Iraq, I believe that’s the case. Outside of Iraq and what we’re seeing in Libya all the way through to Yemen and in parts of Northern Africa, there are concerning developments there. So it is the changing environment – [indistinct] part of my comment that where there is fragility across the Middle East, that is of increasing concern. But I think inside Iraq, and I’ve said I think probably for the last couple of briefs now, the momentum has been halted but it is not consistent across Iraq and Baiji has been an example; Ramadi, the province, is another one where it is highly contested and a very complex and difficult fight. So it’s not a homogeneous outcome across Iraq where there are gains. The maps in front of you give an indication that it’s fairly broad spread and – but there do continue to be advances and losses, and I expect we will continue to see that.

QUESTION: Afghanistan. There was a report last week that Islamic State and the Taliban had declared a jihad on each other or the other way around. Have you guys seen any evidence of that and can you just give us a summation of what’s going on in Afghanistan at the moment? I understand there’s a major operation that’s underway in the north of Afghanistan?

DAVID JOHNSTON: I have seen – there is indications that the Taliban is ideologically opposed to Daesh, and while there had been what we think are still very small groups inside of Afghanistan who have claimed an affiliation with Daesh, the reasoning for that is not entirely clear. It is a – there is some popularity or some exposure to be gained by any of these groups who seek to claim an affiliation with Daesh which may suit their cause, but the actual alignment in ideologies is much less clear to us, and the Taliban have typically had a very internal-to-Afghanistan viewpoint that is not consistent with the Daesh ideology. So we’ve seen small pockets of it, but it remains just that – a small pocket.

The operations that you’re referring to I think are in Northern Afghanistan, where we’ve got some limited visibility because we don’t have a particular role either in the north. Our focus continues to be around Kabul in the south, but there has been what appears to be a fairly sizeable Taliban offensive in some of the northern areas, which the Afghanistan security forces are responding to. I don’t yet have a clear understanding yet of how much at risk some of these pockets are up in the north, but I am aware that it’s significant enough that the ANSF is having to muster a response to it and attempt to deal with it.

QUESTION: Just back to the big picture, and- in the Middle East, and admittedly this is a very big picture question. You mentioned Yemen and you know, the Houthis and the Saudis, are you – are you concerned that we’re seeing the emergence of a broader sectarian conflict or the development – the escalation of a broader sectarian conflict? And what bearing does that have on the job that Australia is involved in in Iraq?

DAVID JOHNSTON: Well, I think the Foreign Minister’s statements and in part that speech that she gave very recently is a reflection of a view that – were this ideology to spread and to gain a broader hold, then the consequence of that for many nations, ourselves included, is quite significant.

But in part that’s why – our work that we are doing with the Coalition and with the Iraqi security forces is so important to undermine Daesh’s propaganda about being a caliphate and holding territory, which is key to the caliphate itself. So the ideology that those are spreading is very much – has as its foundation the notion of a caliphate which relies on territory. The work that collectively we are doing to deny them territory in a role that undermines their claim to credibility.

So they are interconnected with each other, and the work that we are doing with others is about – not only denying them the ability to appear credible, but through – whether it’s foreign fighter flows, the financing that is moving to them, all of that collectively contributes to a more holistic outcome.

QUESTION: [Inaudible question]

DAVID JOHNSTON: Between Shia and Sunni [indistinct] that is an issue. Sometimes it’s potentially simplistically portrayed as that it’s the leading issue, whether in Yemen between Sunni and Shia – I don’t think that is a collective view, that is there are many other influences, and Yemen is an example of that, with the Houthis – some of it is Sunni-Shia, much of it may be other than just that – the issue between those two ethnicities.

And that applies whether it’s Boko Haram – that’s through Northern Africa. There are many more elements to it than just the Sunni-Shia issue. It is part of it but it’s certainly not all of it, and neither is it the majority of it in many cases.

QUESTION: On the issue of the travel bans and the declared areas – is that having any impact on how operations are going over there, or how –

DAVID JOHNSTON: I would hope so, I’ve mentioned in the past – we don’t track Australians through our operations. If they present as a threat to our forces or forces we’re working with, they’re dealt with like any other nationality who may be posing that threat.

So I would hope that it’s acting as an element that anybody who is thinking – whether you’re Australian or otherwise, but particularly for Australians – that complicates any decision to go and support Daesh by fighting in those areas.

QUESTION: Just going back to the Baiji oil refinery – you said about half of the foreign – ISIL was killed in that airstrike, the operation, ongoing operation – how many is that?

DAVID JOHNSTON: We’re not certain – the numbers are in the hundreds. So it is a significant force that Daesh have used. And there are in part parallels to what we saw in Kobane months ago where Daesh saw Kobane as important – they pressed a significant amount of their capacity into trying to take Kobane and hold it, and suffered significant consequences by doing so, both in people and equipment terms – Baiji is similar in parts. So it’s measured in the hundreds at the moment, but the exact figures aren’t clear.

QUESTION: [Indistinct] or killed, we’ve seen it before, is there any reliable intelligence one way or another?

DAVID JOHNSTON: I don’t think so.

QUESTION: All right.

DAVID JOHNSTON: Thank you very much. Thank you.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/29/transcript-press-conference-vice-admiral-david-johnston-chief-of-joint-operations-provides-an-update-on-operations/feed/Australian Defence Force commemorates Anzac Centenaryhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/25/australian-defence-force-commemorates-anzac-centenary-2/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/25/australian-defence-force-commemorates-anzac-centenary-2/#commentsFri, 24 Apr 2015 20:25:19 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=8002One hundred years after the ANZACs landed at Gallipoli, more than 2,200 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel will commemorate Anzac Day on operations around the world.

Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin said the ANZACs’ extraordinary determination and bravery at Gallipoli continued to inspire Australian service men and women on operations today.

“As we pause to commemorate a century of service, Australians are serving on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Others are supporting United Nations missions, protecting our borders or on duty in Australia,” ACM Binskin said.

“Despite the wide and varied nature of our operations, the men and women of today’s ADF share the same qualities as those who served in the past – no task too big, no job too hard. We enjoy a laugh, but we get the job done, and we do it well.”

While the nation is focussed on commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing, ADF personnel who are deployed this Anzac Day will mark this important milestone in Australia’s history with traditional Dawn Services and ceremonies in locations across the Middle East region, in Africa and at sea.

The ADF will also support more than 1,400 public Anzac Day activities in Australia and overseas to pay their respects to more than 102,000 Australians who have died in conflicts.

“As Australian Defence Force personnel, we recognise we are both heirs and guardians of the Anzac legacy – we embrace it with great respect and dignity and aspire to uphold its ideals in honour of all those who served before us and beside us.”

I am disappointed that Fairfax media has chosen to publish an erroneous op ed that fails to contribute to what should be a constructive discussion about military and veterans’ mental health care.

Contrary to Sarah Gill’s assertion, the Commander Joint Health, Rear Admiral Walker has never denied military service can contribute to mental health disorders including PTSD. Ill informed and what would appear to be poorly researched commentary such as this that seeks to perpetuate this falsehood is unfair and misleading. Rear Admiral Walker has worked tirelessly on improving mental health services within the ADF and she is leading efforts remove the stigma that still exists around the issue of mental health.

Defence has repeatedly stated that addressing mental health issues requires a sophisticated and mature debate. Unfortunately, articles and editorials such as Ms Gill’s are counterproductive. The fact is we are very serious about confronting the ADF’s mental health issues and contributing to efforts to improve mental health support to those who no longer serve in the ADF. Over the past six years, the ADF has put an enormous amount of effort into understanding, treating and preventing mental health conditions. As a result, we have some excellent programs in place to assist those people who are dealing with PTSD or other mental health conditions. False claims that Defence simply does not care or that more is being spent on Anzac Centenary commemorations than mental health care for our veterans do nothing to help further the debate – they undermine the confidence of those who deserve our help and support.

Air Chief Marshal Binskin reminded the departing troops that the Iraqi Army had suffered tremendous loss over the past year.
“You will need to respect these facts and work to build rapport, be empathetic, patient and professional––traits we have traditionally shown with each force we have trained in the past.

“This is what you have trained for and I am confident in your ability to do the job we have asked of you.”

The farewell event, at Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane, was well supported by family and friends of the deploying members.

Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO, said the troops have worked hard in the lead up to their deployment and are well prepared for challenges that may arise.

“Although Australian personnel will deploy to the Building Partner Capacity mission in a non-combat role, they are fully aware that Iraq is a complex and dangerous environment in which to operate,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.

“Australian soldiers are among the finest in the world. The men and women of Task Group Taji are well-skilled, well-prepared and well-equipped. We wish them all the best as they begin their mission, and importantly, we wish them a safe return to their families and friends.”

Commander 7th Brigade, Brigadier Adam Findlay, AM, whose troops make up the majority of the departing force, thanked the families and friends of the deploying personnel for their support.

“Today presented us with an opportunity to not only thank the soldiers for their dedication and commitment to the mission, but to recognise their families and the broader Brisbane community for their ongoing support,” he said.

Commander Task Group Taji, Colonel Matthew Galton, said that the aim of the mission is to enable regular Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) to take the fight to Daesh, to re-take and effectively hold that territory as well as to re-establish order in their own country.

“The Building Partner Capacity mission is all about training the regular Iraqi Security Forces and building their capacity to be able to defend their borders and restore their country’s sovereignty,” he said.

Task Group Taji will consist of a training team with command, force protection and support elements.

Training will focus on core operational skills including planning and conducting operations, basic manoeuvre and integration of intelligence into operations.

The Building Partner Capacity mission contributes to a broader international effort and Australia and New Zealand will join other nations who have already made commitments to train Iraqi forces, including the United States, Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain.

Media note:
Imagery from the farewell event will be available later today at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20151016

Vision will be fed to the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery under general release arrangements.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/21/media-release-task-force-taji-farewelled-21-april-2015/feed/Captain Wales gets airborne in the Top Endhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/19/captain-wales-gets-airborne-in-the-top-end/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/19/captain-wales-gets-airborne-in-the-top-end/#commentsSat, 18 Apr 2015 16:00:24 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7961Captain Harry Wales has spent his first two weeks the Australian Army with the North-West Mobile Force (NORFORCE) and the 1st Brigade.

His program included time in an Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) Tiger.

Captain Wales undertook flight simulation training, before heading out with members of the 1st Aviation Regiment on an ARH Tiger reconnaissance flight from Robertson Barracks, Darwin.

During his time with the 1st Brigade, Captain Wales has been busy participating in the day-to-day activities of soldiering, including physical training sessions and preparing for field exercises as part of Exercise Thunder Observer, a Joint Fire Team Training exercise, soon to be conducted by the 1st Brigade’s 8th/12th Medium Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery. Designed to maintain combat readiness, the exercise will include a live fire collaboration between ground and air assets.

After meeting with some of the Army’s wounded, injured and ill members, Captain Wales joined in a game of wheelchair AFL (Australian Football League) with soldiers from the Soldier Recovery Centre and the 1st Brigade.

Earlier, while on duty with NORFORCE, Captain Wales met with locals of the Wuggubun community in the Kununurra region of Western Australia, around 470 kilometres southwest of Darwin. While at Wuggubun, Captain Wales spent time engaging with elders and children of the Indigenous community.

Captain Wales was also briefed on NORFORCE’s operations and trained in bush survival lessons, including how to source food and water. After receiving his orders, Captain Wales headed out on patrol with members of NORFORCE, spending two nights camping out in the remote Kununurra region.

Captain Wales’ attachment with the Australian Defence Force will continue after Gallipoli commemorations in Turkey, when he will return to Australia to spend time with Australian Army units in Perth and Sydney.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/19/captain-wales-gets-airborne-in-the-top-end/feed/Response to Canberra Times reporting on fuel supply in Defencehttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/17/response-to-canberra-times-reporting-on-fuel-supply-in-defence/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/17/response-to-canberra-times-reporting-on-fuel-supply-in-defence/#commentsFri, 17 Apr 2015 05:36:38 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7959An article has been published on the Canberra Times web site regarding the status of Defence’s fuel supply chain and fuel installations.

The journalist, Mr Phillip Thomson, developed this article on the basis of an extract from a report provided to Defence in December 2013, known as the Wraith Review. Mr Thomson obtained this extract through a Freedom of Information request.

Along with the report extract, Defence also provided Mr Thomson a significant amount of clarifying information to ensure the report extract was understood in the correct context. (See: http://www.defence.gov.au/FOI/Decisions/DisclosureLog.asp). It is obvious this information was not used to inform the content. It is unfortunate that Mr Thomson instead chose to publish an article based on assessments made some 18 months ago and in ignorance of the current status of Defence’s fuel management systems.

When providing the report extract to Mr Thomson, Defence also provided the supplementary information below:

Context of the Wraith Review. The ‘Wraith Review’ was commissioned by Defence to obtain an independent Oil Industry perspective of how a Fuels Supply Chain is operated and maintained in comparison to the Defence Fuel Supply Chain. Given that it was completed in December 2013, some of the information contained in the document, particularly relating to risk, is somewhat dated. Some information is also the independent assessment of an external party and does not necessarily reflect, or accurately take into account, the operational and preparedness requirements of Defence.

Work, Health, Safety and Environment (WHSE) Risks. In relation to statements regarding extreme WHSE risks, all of the Immediate Action items in the Wraith Review are being implemented. For example, the Stokes Hill Defence Fuel Installation in Darwin was permanently closed during 2014 and a national Permit to Work system is being implemented across all Defence Fuel Installations.

Fuel Reserves. The report asserts that Defence is holding fuel reserves that are unnecessary to meet capability needs and implies that this operates outside the Chiefs of Service policy on reserve holdings. Fuel reserve holdings are determined based on a range of operational, commercial and supply chain management considerations and agreed in conjunction with capability managers and in accordance with current Defence policies. Defence is considering this opinion as part of the Force Structure Review, along with a range of other potential initiatives, to ensure both operational resilience and further utilisation of industry resources where appropriate.

Defence Management of Fuels. The report raised concerns that independent actions by Groups and services potentially constrained future flexibility with respect to fuels management. Defence has addressed this through the appointment of Commander Joint Logistics in February 2014 as the Head of the Defence Fuels Supply Chain and the single accountable authority for its operation.

Remediating Facilities that ought to be closed. The report asserts that Defence assets are significantly underutilised and present potential opportunity to reduce Defence costs and provide income. Defence is considering this opinion as part of the Force Structure Review.

Status of ‘Wraith Review’ Recommendations. The current status of the recommendations contained in the document is:

Immediate Actions. All four recommendations have been agreed by Defence and are currently being implemented. Defence also chose an additional two recommendations from the report to constitute Immediate Action. The status of these additional two recommendations is contained in the summary of Strategic Actions below.
a) Shutdown DFI-M Stokes Hill, DFI-A FF4 RAAF Darwin and one other site (Strategic Item 12).
b) Temporarily suspend the fuels elements of the current DSRG BSR retender until the source selection is reviewed (rapidly) to ensure fuel element supplier competence. If the tendered offers are not appropriate, then terminate the current process and retender Fuels services separately to ensure oil industry expertise (Strategic Item 6).

Strategic Actions.a) Recommendations 1 to 4 have been implemented.
b) Recommendation 5 has been agreed and implementation is in progress.
c) With the exception of the DSRG BSR retender process, Recommendation 6 is agreed and implementation is in progress.
d) Recommendation 7 is not agreed.
e) Recommendations 8 to 11 are under consideration as part of the Force Structure Review.
f) Recommendation 12 has been implemented with the exception of the recommendation to shutdown one other site. This is being considered as part of the Force Structure Review. and
g) Recommendation 13 is under consideration as part of the Force Structure Review.

During the visit, General Middendorp presented Air Chief Marshal Binskin with a remembrance plaque on behalf of the Netherlands Government in appreciation for the ADF’s contribution to …the alleviation of the suffering of those affected by the MH17 disaster.

Air Chief Marshal Binskin said the Australia Defence Force worked in close cooperation with the Netherlands Armed Forces after Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine in July 2014.

There were 298 people killed in the incident, including 38 Australian citizens and residents.

At the height of Australia’s Operation Bring Them Home, more than 280 ADF personnel were deployed to the Netherlands and Ukraine.

“Together with our Dutch colleagues, we completed the difficult task of returning victims to their families with respect and dignity.”

Australia and the Netherlands continue to contribute to Afghanistan through the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission and both countries are part of the international coalition conducting operations against Daesh (ISIL) in Iraq.

“We formed a close partnership in Afghanistan where our respective Defence Forces conducted joint mentoring and liaison operations in Uruzgan province,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

“Despite the vast distance between the two countries, the Netherlands and Australia share similar views on defence and security matters and we continue to work together on international operations.

“We face many of the same challenges and there is much we can learn from ongoing bilateral engagement,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

The scholarship sponsors an AAFC Cadet to travel with the Australian Defence Force contingent to Gallipoli to participate in Anzac Day commemorations.

Felicity has been chosen to represent the AAFC from more than 7000 cadets around Australia.

“I am absolutely honoured and touched to be representing such an amazing organisation in one of Australia’s most important milestones. I still can’t believe that I will be standing there, where our brave heroes sacrificed all for our country,” Felicity said.

“Even after being awarded this scholarship, I am still learning so much that I didn’t already know about Gallipoli, and World War One. I have the deepest respect for the Australians, New Zealanders, Allied troops and the Turkish troops that sacrificed all at Gallipoli.”

Felicity will be wearing her Great Grandfather’s medals in Gallipoli; someone who inspired her from a very young age.

Felicity has achieved many personal milestones since joining the AAFC in 2012. She has received numerous awards including a Chief of Air Force Flying Scholarship, the Gordon Mercovich Leadership Award, the Long Tan Leadership Award and a recent promotion to Cadet Flight Sergeant.

However, none of these achievements compare to the adventure she is about to undertake.

“I have always had a passion in making sure the younger community has known about our Anzacs, and I am still numb to realise that I will have the opportunity to show my respect for my personal heroes at such an important time,” she said.

“So many died so young and so tragically, and it has become a personal goal of mine to ensure that the youths of today are educated about their sacrifices so they are never forgotten.”

The Eleanore Tibble Memorial Pilgrimage Scholarship was created in memory of Cadet Sergeant Eleanore Tibble, who died in Tasmania in 2000.

“I not only want to represent the AAFC on my trip, but also Eleanore Tibble. She was so young, and I believe it is fit to honour her as well in my travels. I will be laying a handmade poppy on behalf of Eleanore, just to let her know that whilst I did not meet her, I will be thinking of her.”

The Australian Air Force Cadets is a youth development organisation that is administered and actively supported by the Royal Australian Air Force, for boys and girls aged from 13 to 18 who have an interest in aviation- powered flying, gliding, adventure, leadership, music, teamwork, bush survival and field craft.

Further information about the Australian Air Force Cadets can be found at: www.aafc.org.au

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/16/canberra-air-force-cadet-honoured-with-gallipoli-pilgrimage/feed/Troops to Deploy to Iraqhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/15/troops-to-deploy-to-iraq/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/15/troops-to-deploy-to-iraq/#commentsWed, 15 Apr 2015 03:53:12 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7922The first group of Australian Defence Force personnel have departed from Brisbane following the Government’s decision to commit a military force to the international Building Partner Capacity (BPC) training mission in Iraq.

Approximately 300 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, primarily drawn from the Australian Army’s Brisbane-based 7th Brigade, will form a combined Task Group Taji alongside around 100 personnel from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) as part of the international effort to combat the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist threat in Iraq.

Task Group Taji, will deploy under Operation OKRA with a training team as well as command, force protection and support elements.

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin said the Task Group began preparing for the BPC mission in March, following government approval.

“Our Australian personnel have worked closely with their New Zealand counterparts to form Task Group Taji.

“Together they have undertaken an extensive pre-deployment training schedule culminating in an intensive mission rehearsal exercise in southern Queensland.”

Task Group Taji will train Iraqi Army personnel from the individual soldier through to the brigade level. This training will increase the Iraqi Army’s capability and its ability to coordinate operations and fire support as well as improving logistic and intelligence functions.

“Although Australian personnel will deploy to the BPC mission in a non-combat role, Iraq remains a complex and dangerous environment and their pre-deployment training focused on replicating the challenging conditions the Task Group may face in Iraq.

“Task Group Taji is well prepared and ready to deploy,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

The BPC mission will contribute to a broader international effort. Australia and New Zealand will join other nations who have already made commitments to train Iraqi forces, including Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain.

The main contingent will depart in the coming weeks. Defence will advise media of any upcoming engagement opportunities. For operational security reasons Defence will not disclose the dates of deployment.

Vision of the training will be fed to the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/15/troops-to-deploy-to-iraq/feed/First Australian pilot for RAAF’s new Poseidon aircraft takes flighthttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/15/first-australian-pilot-for-raafs-new-poseidon-aircraft-takes-flight/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/15/first-australian-pilot-for-raafs-new-poseidon-aircraft-takes-flight/#commentsWed, 15 Apr 2015 03:49:30 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7920The introduction of Australia’s new P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft moved a step closer today when Flight Lieutenant James Pears became the first Australian pilot to fly the P‑8A Poseidon at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, United States this morning AEST [afternoon of Tuesday 14 April US EDT]. The aircraft undertook about a four hour sortie in the vicinity of the Naval Air Station, landing just before 12pm AEST today.

Led by Squadron Leader Arran Moore, Australia has a team of seven aircrew training on the P-8A Poseidon with the US Navy, ahead of its introduction into the RAAF fleet.

SQNLDR Moore said the P-8A Poseidon would be Australia’s next maritime patrol aircraft and would provide the RAAF with an enhanced maritime capability.

“The team and I are honoured to be given the opportunity to take a leading role in its introduction to Australian service,” he said.

SQNLDR Moore and the first Australian P-8A Poseidon crew has undergone an intensive training program in the United States before today’s first flight in the aircraft.

Speaking about today’s milestone flight, FLTLT Pears said it was fantastic to have the opportunity to put months of training into practice.

“The aircraft handles well and performs to expectations; the levels of automation and assistance to the pilot are amazing over that offered by the AP-3C,” he said.

The United States Navy has integrated the Australians within Patrol Squadron 10 (VP-10) for the transition to the P-8A.

Commanding Officer of VP-10 Commander James Johnston said having the Australians embedded within the squadron was a tremendous benefit to the unit.

“Not only do we all benefit from the varied backgrounds and experiences, the level of interoperability that having such an integrated team builds is world class,” he added.

Following their transition onto the P-8A, the Australian contingent will remain in the US and provide additional instructional resources to the US Navy (Patrol Squadron 30), as they continue their transition to the P-8A as well as training the first Australian crews commencing in 2016.

SQNLDR Moore said the welcome and support from Patrol Squadron 30 had been phenomenal.

”Our hosts have made us an integral part of the unit which has assisted our smooth transition onto the P-8A.”

The P-8A Poseidon aircraft will dramatically boost Australia’s ability to monitor its maritime approaches and patrol Australia’s vast maritime jurisdiction and search and rescue area — an area that equates to nearly 11 per cent of the world’s oceans.

A potent and versatile aircraft based on Boeing’s 737 Next Generation airframe, the state-of-the-art P-8A Poseidon can conduct search and rescue, anti-submarine and maritime strike missions, in addition to patrolling Australia’s extensive maritime approaches.

The P-8A Poseidon will replace the Air Force’s aging AP-3C Orions that have served Australia so well for over four decades.

The RAAF is set to receive eight P-8A Poseidon aircraft, with the first to be delivered in 2017 to RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia, with all eight fully operational by 2021.

The Government will consider options for further P-8A Poseidon aircraft, subject to the outcomes of the next Defence White Paper.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/15/first-australian-pilot-for-raafs-new-poseidon-aircraft-takes-flight/feed/Media Alert – Army launch of commemorative song paying tribute to Indigenous Australian soldiershttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/15/media-alert-army-launch-of-commemorative-song-paying-tribute-to-indigenous-australian-soldiers/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/15/media-alert-army-launch-of-commemorative-song-paying-tribute-to-indigenous-australian-soldiers/#commentsWed, 15 Apr 2015 01:00:29 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7917What:
The Australian Army will launch a commemorative song paying tribute to a century of distinguished service by Indigenous Australian soldiers.

The song will be launched during a performance by the song’s creator, John Schumann, at the Australian War Memorial.

Who:
The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Morrison, AO, Australian War Memorial Director, Brendan Nelson, and the song’s creator, John Schumann, OAM, will be available for a media doorstop.

When:
1.45pm (AEST) on Saturday, 18 April 2015.

Media are invited to stay for the performance following the media doorstop.

Where:
Australian War Memorial, Canberra.

Media are asked to meet at the outside entrance to Anzac Hall no later than 1:30pm, Saturday, 18 April 2015..

Media note:
Media are requested to register their interest with Ms Katie Bird on the contact details below by 12pm (AEST) on Friday, 17 April 2015.

Background:
In the centenary year of Anzac, the Australian Army is recognising the contributions of Indigenous Army servicemen and women and the valued contributions our Indigenous soldiers have made to Australia’s military operations.

John Shumann, who wrote the Vietnam veteran anthem I was only 19, was commissioned by the Australian Army to record a song paying tribute to the Army’s past and present indigenous serving men and women. Mr Shumman and his band, the Vagabond Crew, will perform the song On Every Anzac Day in front of invited guests.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/15/media-alert-army-launch-of-commemorative-song-paying-tribute-to-indigenous-australian-soldiers/feed/Media Release – Army engineers reopen local hospital on Tanna – 11 April 2015http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/11/media-release-army-engineers-reopen-local-hospital-on-tanna-11-april-2015/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/11/media-release-army-engineers-reopen-local-hospital-on-tanna-11-april-2015/#commentsSat, 11 Apr 2015 00:00:24 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7911People from the cyclone devastated island of Tanna now have access to a fully functional hospital after Army engineers spent three weeks in Vanuatu repairing the badly damaged building on the Western and most populous side of the island.

Men and women from the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment (3 CER), including plumbing, electrical and carpentry tradesmen, cleared significant amounts of debris throughout the Lenakel Hospital, repaired damaged walls and roofs, restored power and gave the people access to clean water.

Robert Moise, local Tanna resident and Acting Director of the Lenakel Hospital, said the ADF had helped save the lives of many people seeking much needed medical aid.

“They worked so quickly and so well to get the operating theatre, maternity ward, labour room, matron service, pharmacy and laundry all back to working condition.”

“Because of them we have had between 20 and 30 babies delivered here in a clean and safe environment. We had a great team here; we couldn’t have made it without them.”

During a reopening ceremony on the 8th of April, local nurses and doctors individually thanked the ADF for their remarkable achievements at Lenakel.

David Tovovur, Assistant Secretary General for Tafea Province, said it was a dream come true for his people.

“It would have taken us so much time to do it by ourselves; with the way the Army has helped here, it is truly a miracle.”

Commanding Officer 3 CER Lieutenant Colonel John Daunt said Lenakel Hospital was the pinnacle task on Tanna and something his troops should be extremely proud of.

“These are the kind of jobs we love to do. To be able to help a people in desperate need, which the people of Vanuatu were, is not something we would ever shirk from and something the guys love doing.

“They are a very resilient people, they get stuck in and get things done but sometimes it’s a little bit beyond what the capacity locally is to do.”

“The ability to repair the hospital would have taken months given the devastation across the rest of Vanuatu, but to get this done in a matter of a couple weeks from the event is something the community will appreciate for a very long time,” Lieutenant Colonel Daunt said.

The reopening of the Lenakel Hospital marked the end of 3 CER’s mission on Tanna and another milestone for a remote community quickly getting back on track.

“We see more and more the ability of the local authorities to deliver and distribute aid without our assistance,” Lieutenant Colonel Daunt said.

“The people of Tanna, and Vanuatu more broadly, are well on the way back on their feet, it’s been our pleasure to come and give them a hand in these early stages of recovery but they are now more than capable of doing this on their own.”

Media note:
Vision will be fed to the Parliamentary Press Gallery later today.

With preparations now in the eleventh hour, a final opportunity exists for Australian media to attend drill and ceremonial rehearsals inside the AFG compound at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) in Canberra.

From 1200 on 10 April, media are invited to collect imagery and conduct interviews with AFG personnel.

Also in attendance will be the Australian Army Band Corps Bugler, Corporal Andrew Barnett, who has been selected to perform at the Gallipoli dawn service on 25 April. Corporal Barnett will also be available for interviews.

Due to the location of the activity, media are requested to confirm their attendance with the Military Public Affairs Officer below.

WHO:
Australian Federation Guard and Australian Army Band Corps Bugler, Corporal Andrew Barnett.

RSVP:
For further information and to confirm attendance please contact Captain Chris Rickey on christopher.rickey@defence.gov.au or 0467 766 190.
]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/09/media-alert-adfs-elite-ceremonial-unit-undertakes-final-preparations-for-anzac-day/feed/Statement by Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett on deaths at HMAS Stirlinghttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/08/statement-by-chief-of-navy-vice-admiral-tim-barrett-on-deaths-at-hmas-stirling/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/08/statement-by-chief-of-navy-vice-admiral-tim-barrett-on-deaths-at-hmas-stirling/#commentsWed, 08 Apr 2015 04:21:01 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7898Navy acknowledges the ABC 730 report into the deaths at HMAS Stirling between 2011 and 2012. Navy again offers its sympathy to those who have been affected by these tragic losses.

At the time of the incidents Navy initiated a mandatory intervention that required all Bosun Mates to attend a suicide awareness program as well as briefs from Navy Chaplains and the Alcohol and Drug Program Advisor.

In the intervening period, Navy has revised procedures for alcohol management at all bases and enforced random testing procedures for both alcohol and illicit drugs in an effort to deter their abuse. One in four sailors at HMAS Stirling are tested regularly and in the past four years positive results have accounted for less that 2 per cent. Despite these low figures Navy remains vigilant given community concerns over the increased use of the illicit drug known as ice.

Navy will review the previous action taken in managing these sailors. The allegations made by Ms Livingston in the program will also be investigated.

Navy acknowledges Mr Addison’s concerns about disclosure of information relating to self harm. However, Navy and the Australian Defence Force are bound by the same laws regarding patient confidentiality that apply to all medical practitioners with respect to disclosing confidential medical information.

We encourage any person who feels they require support with a mental health issue to contact Defence Support services on 1800 IM SICK (1800 467 425), the All-Hour Support Line on 1800 628 036 and the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) located throughout Australia.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/08/statement-by-chief-of-navy-vice-admiral-tim-barrett-on-deaths-at-hmas-stirling/feed/Prince Harry to begin military attachment with the Australian Defence Forcehttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/02/prince-harry-to-begin-military-attachment-with-the-australian-defence-force/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/02/prince-harry-to-begin-military-attachment-with-the-australian-defence-force/#commentsThu, 02 Apr 2015 02:34:29 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7895Prince Harry will arrive in Australia on Monday, 6 April to begin a four week attachment to the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

On arrival in Australia, Prince Harry will travel to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, where he will join the Governor General, The Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, MC, and senior Government officials to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and view the World War I and Afghanistan galleries. At the end of the visit he will have the chance to greet members of the public outside at the Australian War Memorial’s main entrance.

Prince Harry will then report to the Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, AC for duty. The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO and other senior Army officers will join Prince Harry to officially mark the start of his military attachment with the Australian Army.

During his time with the ADF, Captain Wales – as he is known in the British Army – will work and live alongside colleagues in the Australian Army in a number of regiments in Sydney, Darwin and Perth. He is expected to take part in a range of unit-based activities and training exercises. These will include urban training exercises, regional bush patrols, flight simulation and aviation activities, joint fire exercises and Indigenous engagements activities.

Captain Wales will also take part in routine activities, such as physical training, first aid training and pack marches. Additionally, he will have the opportunity to meet wounded, injured and ill service personnel during his time in Australia, which will compliment his advocacy work in this area in the UK.

The British and Australian Armies have a shared military history as well as a long and enduring association. Secondments, exchanges, bilateral training and professional development opportunities are routine practice between our two armies. These exchanges typically range from a few weeks to several months. Military-to-military exchanges provide British and Australian personnel with valuable insight into their counterparts’ operations equipment and training as well as opportunities to build professional personal relationships.

As such, Defence’s focus for this attachment is to provide Captain Wales with an authentic military experience in the Australian Army that builds on his previous experience with coalition forces and complements his work with wounded, injured and ill service personnel. Defence has selected units that best utilise Captain Wales’ skills and allow him to experience a broad range of Army capabilities. The attachment will also allow Captain Wales to share the experience and knowledge he has gained over 10 years of military service in the British Armed Forces, including two operational tours of duty in Afghanistan.

During his attachment, Prince Harry will travel from Australia to Turkey to attend the Gallipoli Commemorations on 24 and 25 April.

Media note:

The Australian War Memorial is coordinating media accreditation for Prince Harry’s visit to the Australian War Memorial on Monday 6 April, 2015.

Defence is aware of the public interest in Captain Wales’ attachment with the Australian Army and will provide imagery of his military activities during his four week attachment. This material will be provided under general release arrangements via the Defence Image Gallery at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20150823 and the Parliament House Press Gallery. International media agencies should contact their Australian affiliates to access vision. The material will be available after midday (AEST), Monday, 6 April 2015.

Defence does not routinely release specific details of operational training activities or an individual Defence member’s movements or schedule.

Defence thanks the public and the media in advance for their assistance and cooperation in safeguarding the spirit and purpose of Captain Wales’ attachment with the Australian Army.

Media contacts

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

Kensington Palace: +44 207 930 4832

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/04/02/prince-harry-to-begin-military-attachment-with-the-australian-defence-force/feed/ADF brings relief to Vanuatu over Easterhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/31/adf-brings-relief-to-vanuatu-over-easter/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/31/adf-brings-relief-to-vanuatu-over-easter/#commentsTue, 31 Mar 2015 06:27:52 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7877Humanitarian assistance will continue to flow into the most heavily affected areas of Vanuatu over the Easter period.

The remote islands of Erromango, Tanna and Ambrym Islands are now receiving vital aid, supplies and personnel from the Australian Defence Force, easing suffering during the important religious holiday.

Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, paid tribute to the Australian troops who will be separated from families and friends over Easter.

“Helping our regional friends in times of need is what the ADF does best,” VADM Griggs said.

“The people of Vanuatu have suffered greatly because of Cyclone Pam and the ADF is determined to bring some relief this Easter.”

As well as providing villages with much needed food, water, shelter and medical equipment, engineers from the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment are clearing roads, removing debris, and rebuilding community infrastructure.

Elements of the Engineering Support Group on Tanna have conducted preparatory works on Isangel Central School and Lenakel Hospital and will commence major repair and reconstruction works today. Troops have also assisted in distribution of eight tonnes of humanitarian aid stores in cooperation with the World Food Program and World Vision.

At Dillon Bay, Erromango Island, land elements have repaired a church, a distribution centre and a school. The village chief, Jason Mete, said this would help return life to normal for the 600 people of his village.

“We are fortunate to have the Australian troops here bringing us these stores and we would like to thank the people of Australia,” he said.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/31/adf-brings-relief-to-vanuatu-over-easter/feed/Deputy Chief of Air Force appointmenthttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/31/media-release-deputy-chief-of-air-force-appointment-31-march-2015/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/31/media-release-deputy-chief-of-air-force-appointment-31-march-2015/#commentsTue, 31 Mar 2015 04:16:39 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7874The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown AO, today confirmed the appointment of the next Deputy Chief of Air Force.

“Air Commodore McDonald has excelled in a number of senior command appointments and brings a wide range of operational and staff experience to the role.

“His appointment as Deputy Chief of Air Force recognises his strong performance and significant contributions to Air Force,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

AIRCDRE McDonald – on promotion to Air Vice-Marshal – will commence his appointment as Deputy Chief of Air Force in July 2015.

The current Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Gavin Davies AO, CSC will be appointed Chief of the Air Force on 4 July 2015.

Media Contact:
Defence Media Operations – 02 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/31/media-release-deputy-chief-of-air-force-appointment-31-march-2015/feed/Australia’s most decorated canine has diedhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/30/australias-most-decorated-canine-has-died/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/30/australias-most-decorated-canine-has-died/#commentsMon, 30 Mar 2015 06:20:38 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7871Australia’s most decorated canine war hero, Sarbi, has died after a short battle with brain cancer.

The former Australian Army explosive detection dog, who went missing for almost 14 months in Afghanistan, suffered a number of seizures in recent weeks and scans revealed a brain tumour.

Her handler, Warrant Officer Class Two David Simpson said that Sarbi had died peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Friday.

“Sarbi had a wonderful life serving Australia as an explosive detection dog and as a pet at home for the last five years,” Warrant Officer Class Two Simpson said.

“Sarbi will live on in everyone’s hearts and minds and I hope that her story of perseverance and determination will inspire you to do whatever you can to achieve your goals and dreams.”

Sarbi went missing after a joint Australian, American and Afghan vehicle convoy was ambushed by insurgents in September 2008. Nine Australian soldiers, including Sarbi’s handler, were wounded during this action. It was also the same action for which Corporal Mark Donaldson received the Victoria Cross for Australia.

A dog matching Sarbi’s description was found by an American soldier in north-eastern Uruzgan province and returned to the Australian Base in Tarin Kot, where handlers confirmed her identity.

For her brave efforts, Sarbi was awarded the War Dog Operational Medal, the Canine Service Medal and RSPCA Purple Cross Award. The RSPCA Purple Cross Award recognises the deeds of animals that have shown outstanding service to humans, particularly if they showed exceptional courage in risking their own safety or life to save a person from injury or death.

DAVID JOHNSTON: … by Air Commodore Iervasi, who is the Director General Air Operations for the headquarters at Bungendore, and Joe will be in a position as we go through and just talk about some of our current ops to be able to amplify those for you, if you wish. But if you’re ready otherwise, we’ll start.

Today I will provide an update on the last six weeks of Australian Defence Force operations. You’ll be aware that we have been very busy domestically in the aftermath of a number of cyclones through both Queensland and Northern Territory, and of course in tragedy after Tropical Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu. And I’ll also give you an update on activities that we have performed in Vanuatu.

But I’ll start first with the Middle East, and step through both operations in Iraq and some of our other broader operations in Afghanistan and in [indistinct] Middle East.

Australian Defence Force personnel in the Middle East continue their work with great professionalism and skill. Their collective efforts as part of a broader coalition effort supporting ground forces in Iraq have enabled the successful reclamation of townships in northern Iraq. The efforts of the Iraqi forces on the ground are increasing the confidence of [indistinct], and provide tangible evidence that the advance of Daesh has halted, and the momentum is shifting.

The extent of progress varies in the different regions, but overall the signs are promising. In understanding the size of task ahead, current estimates of the total number of Daesh fighters in Iraq and Syria are 31,500, with 18,000 of those believed to be foreign fighters. But they are estimates, and it remains difficult to quantify the exact numbers. The United States assesses that the number of Daesh fighters killed is approximately 9500. While we are not using body count as a measuring stick, it is a warning to those who might be influenced by Islamic extremists that there are deadly consequences if they travel to Iraq or Syria to fight.

Disturbingly, atrocities continue to be committed or discovered by Daesh fighters. In the past months there have been at least four reports of executions of Iraqi civilians and security force personnel, including the discovery of mass graves in Saladin(*) province, and [indistinct], south of Tikrit. According to news reports, more than 23 mass graves have been uncovered in Iraq since June 2014, involving the deaths of more than 1600 people. These barbaric acts are attacks not only on the foundations of the Islamic faith, but also on humanity. Further evidence of destructive behaviour include the vandalising and destruction of treasured antiquities from the Mosul Museum, where an archaeological site in the city of Nimrud, believed to be where the Tower of Babel stood, was looted and then raized by Daesh fighters. These prized artefacts and ancient ruins from the cradle of civilisation can never be replaced.

While Australian and the coalition to continue to provide valuable military support for operations against Daesh, it is the people of Iraq that directly face this threat. They are having success, but Daesh is a determined enemy. As I have briefed over the last few months, Daesh fighters have failed in their continued attempts to seize a Bayji oil refinery due to the stoic determination of the Iraqi special forces, and the Iraqi Army. Coalition airstrike operations, including Australian aircraft, have performed an important role in destructing and destroying the Daesh fire-fighting power on this front.
Sorry, their fighting power on that front. Last week, Kurdish peshmerga fighters east of Mosul repelled a Daesh attack near Bashiqa, while coalition airstrikes continue to pressure Daesh fighters in the Sinjar region, where locals report that there were huge human and material losses to enemy forces. Iraqi security forces are also capitalising on the destruction and degradation of Daesh elements, with coordinated ground force clearance operations in the vicinity of key areas of Ramadi, Fallujah, Samarra, and further west into Al-Baghdadi. Together, the Iraqi security forces and coalition are attempting to turn around a region that is known as a typical operating area.

The Iraqi Army, working with Shia armed groups and Sunni tribal fighters, have focused on clearing Daesh force elements from Highway 12, which exist between Hadditha and Al Assad Air Base(*). Some areas have remained contested since Daesh elements overran police checkpoints and small townships in February, but with airstrike support from Australian and coalition aircraft, and aerial surveillance coordinated through the coalition’s advise and assist teams, including our own, the Iraqi security forces have been largely successful in targeting Daesh soldiers, fighting positions, vehicles, and equipment, resulting in the considerable loss of material and fighters. Ground forces have since cleared the township of Al-Baghdadi, and secured vital bridges that cross the Euphrates River. Importantly, these outcomes have enabled UNICEF and World Food Programme to deliver aid and supplies in these areas.

The Tikrit Offensive. At the request of the Iraqi Government, coalition airstrikes have commenced against Daesh forces in Tikrit. As you will know from news reports, pro-Iraqi Government Shia militia groups have been heavily engaged in Tikrit with support from Iraqi security forces, and elements of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Following a stall in operations, at the request of the Iraqi Government, coalition surveillance and airstrike operations commenced late last week in support of Iraqi security forces. Operating under the banner of “A messenger of God”, which represents the unity of Sunnis and Shia Iraqis in their fight against Daesh, Sunni militia are reported to have joined Iraqi security forces to reclaim the township. Iraqi’s Deputy Prime Minister, Baha al-Araji, is quoted as saying: the fight of Sunni sons alongside their Shia brothers against ISIL in Tikrit is the first step to achieve real national reconciliation, expel the sceptre of sectarianism and social strife, and prove that loyalty to Iraq is higher than all other affiliations.

Further north, Kurdish security forces are conducting clearance operations in conjunction with ethnic Turkoman forces in the area in and around Kirkuk with increased success.

The Mosul operations. Iraqi security forces continue with preparatory shaping operations, while refining plans to liberate the Iraq’s second-largest city. During March, Royal Australian Air Force strike fighters have continued their involvement in the coalition’s air campaign against Daesh fighters, including the destruction of an improvised explosive device and vehicle-borne IED storage facility in the vicinity of Mosul, while also targeting Daesh fighting positions, protective structures, assembly locations, and equipment. The intensity of the air campaign has denied Daesh fighters freedom of movement, and has degraded, damaged, or destroyed a significant degree of their fighting power and ability to sustain operations. Daesh is under increasing pressure.

During the course of March, Australian air task group operations against Daesh targets in Iraq, in support of coalition air operations, have maintained an ongoing high-rated effort. In early March, Australian F-18 Super Hornets attacked and destroyed a Daesh defensive wall near Mosul. These structures have been built in an attempt to impede offensive ground operations from ground forces liberating Mosul. In support of Iraqi Security forces involved in a significant engagement with Daesh forces near Sinjar, two GPS-guided bombs hit a building occupied by Daesh fighters. On the same day in Ramadi, Iraqi security forces were pinned down by Daesh, and an Australian airstrike was employed to disrupt the fighting to allow Iraqi forces to extract without further injury. In support of peshmerga forces conducting a clearance operation near Kirkut, Australian Super Hornets used eight precision-guided munitions against Daesh command and control nodes and checkpoints along a main supply route, giving peshmerga forces the advantage in seizing the high ground. And Air Commodore Iervasi, during our questions, will be able to speak further to some of those activities through March.

Air-to-air refuelling operations using the KC-30 Multi Role Tanker Transport has involved 30 missions for the month, transferring three million pounds of fuel. Our airborne control and early warning aircraft, the E-7 Wedgetail, has been equally well employed, and has achieved a milestone a thousand hours of operation since September last year. Our C-17 and C-130 aircraft continue to provide vital enabling support to our dispersed operations.

The coalition’s intent remains to disrupt and degrade, and ultimately destroy, the Daesh fighting power, so that Iraqi and Kurdish security forces can restore the security and stability to Iraq. The last two weeks have been a particularly busy period for the air task group, with the Super Hornets now returning home to be replaced by the classic Hornets. During the transition period, the two aircraft types operated alongside each other for the first time on operations, marking a historic milestone for the Air Force.

Our air operations are impacting on the tactics of Daesh fighters. As we had anticipated, Daesh tactics are increasingly resorted to the use of improvised explosive devices. This threat isn’t new, just the industrial scale of approach by Daesh has taken to the use of IEDs. These weapons remain indiscriminate and target civilians as much as they do security forces. Australian Special Forces training provided to Iraq security force engineers are helping to identify and disarm improvised explosives through the conduct of explosive hazard reduction training for counter-IED and explosive ordinance disposal specialist within the Iraqi Army’s 7th Division.

Preparations for Australia’s potential contribution to the building partner capacity mission are continuing, pending a further government decision in the coming weeks. The New Zealand Government has also announced that it is preparing to deploy approximately 100 soldiers on a training mission that will operate alongside the Australian mission planned for the Taji Air Base north of Baghdad. Both countries training teams will be conducting their training in non-combat roles within the confines of the Air Base. This will involve training in basic weapons, individual and unit level military skills, to prepare Iraqi security forces for combat operations, operational planning, medical and logistic training, and to train their trainers. The Australian and New Zealand training mission will join the United States, Spain, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands, in training forces under the building partner capacity role. At government direction, our force preparation is underway, and the New Zealand Defence Force personnel will arrive in Australia this week to join with their ADF partners and commence combined mission preparations.

Following Easter, the two Defence Force contingents will undertake a mission rehearsal exercise. Joint training will be subjected to a wide range of possible and likely scenarios prior to their deployment. This is realistic training that has been developed and refined throughout years previously in Iraq and now in Afghanistan and have proven to be highly effective in the preparation of our field. Elsewhere in the Middle East, as a sign of Australia’s active relationship with NATO, HMAS Success is, from today, supporting NATO operations near the Gulf of Aden, as part of NATO Operation Ocean Shield. Last year NATO offered Australia enhanced partnership status in recognition of Australia’s contribution and performance as a NATO partner.

During its support the Operation Ocean Shield Success in its crew of 235 people will contribute to NATO-led and a piracy operation by also providing replenishment and sea support and conducting [indistinct] training. In addition to its refuelling and logistic restoring capabilities, the ship features an embarked helicopter and boarding teams that will contribute to these operations. In Afghanistan, I note the US has announced that some adjustments to its military presence through 2015 and 2016. As part of our ongoing operational commitment in Afghanistan, we will continue to work with the Government of Afghanistan and our NATO partners to refine our ongoing contribution. Any decision about size and duration of the Australian Defence Force contribution to this coalition operation will remain a matter for the Australian Government.

Finally, closer to home, Operation Pacific Assist – which is our contribution to Vanuatu, after what was a fairly busy domestic cyclone season, the ADF was required to respond at short notice to the widespread destruction caused to the people of Vanuatu by Tropical Cyclone Pam. The category five cyclone hit the islands of Vanuatu at 11PM on Friday 13 March. By Sunday, the Royal Australian Air Force had deployed C17 aircraft, to ferry vital humanitarian aid stores and people to Port Vila. In our AP-3 Orion surveillance aircraft, who currently were conducting surveillance over the island group and right throughout the Vanuatu area, to assist in determining the amount of damage the cyclone had caused. Today there are currently 527 ADF personnel deployed to Vanuatu, our C-17 Globemaster and C-130 Hercules continue to deliver aid through movement, humanitarian aid equipment and personnel as required. We have two in air aircraft who are operating from Port Vila. Their role is supporting the assessment of damage and moving officials out to remote areas.

We’ve moved approximately 161 sorties(*) – we have conducted 161 sorties of fixed wing aircraft in and around the region and late – a lot of – last week Tobruk arrived to deliver aid, water purification equipment and heavy engineering capability and that currently Tobruk is operating in the Southern province area around Tanna which is one of the most heavily impacted areas of the cyclone. The elements of our recovery force are clearing debris throughout the different parts of the island group and conducting damage assessments with local authorities. We now have three S-70 Blackhawks operating in the area, their rotary wing capability and ability to access particularly remote sites has proved vital to the movement of the significant amount of humanitarian aid stores. But that completes my round up for you and I’m happy now to take any questions you might want.

QUESTION: [Indistinct] Tikrit, I think [indistinct] Morgay found the Iraqi assessment of how that’s been going, what’s your assessment of how the mission to reclaim the town has gone and has Australia been involved with any of the coalition air strikes?

DAVID JOHNSTON: I’ll answer your last part first. So, we are available to be used for coalition air strikes near Tikrit. We have not conducted any at the moment but that’s just a function of where the various priorities are, where our aircraft have been tasked, but we’re not precluded from providing that support if those missions were needed to be performed by our aircraft. Think what we’ve seen generally in [indistinct] though is that the operation – the ground operation’s having progressed to a point, did stall for a period and there are a number of views of why that may have occurred but it did result [indistinct] the Government of Iraq turning to the coalition and seeking the assistance of coalition air strike to enable them to continue ground operations and that started to occur from late last week and has occurred through the weekend.

QUESTION: How would you – how do you assess the chances of attacking Mosul and when is all that going to ramp up do you think, as far as Mosul?

DAVID JOHNSTON: It’s still uncertain but partly – and I predict what we will learn from Tikrit is operating in an urban environment is as difficult as we thought it would be. ISIL have had time to be able to conduct a defensive preparations in this area, heavy use of IED, strong use of snipers and protecting positions to slow the advance through so there will be important lessons that the Government of Iraq can draw and their military forces of operations in Tikrit that are directly relevant to the campaign for Mosul. The timing of the campaign to commencing Mosul remains dependent on a number of factors, the preparation of the Iraqi security forces and making sure there are enough military forces to be able to conduct the activity and supporting arrangements and there’s a fair understanding that when you move into any urban environment that you need them to be prepared to govern it and provide support to the people so that elements outside of the Ministry of Defence between Iraq need to be ready to provide that government – governance and support to the population and there is still work around the timing in terms of how quickly they move north, their work can be done in Anbar provinces out to the west and I think we are seeing still developing thinking around the relative priorities all of which will influence where the operation is against Mosul.

QUESTION: And will the Australian training – will that really help in that [indistinct]?

DAVID JOHNSTON: It will on both parts. So, we have consistently seen that the counter-terrorism forces have been at the leading edge of most of the difficult ground operations performed by the Iraqi security forces and we remain actively partnered with the work that we are doing with them through our advise and assist mission and similarly there’s [indistinct] – if the Government makes a decision for us to contribute that building part of capacity force, that mission is about both preparing the forces for the counter-offensive but equally important for the forces that will then fight to hold the ground for them to continue the operation onwards from Mosul. So, the building part of the capacity role is very much all about preparing the Iraqi security forces for a range of future operations.

QUESTION: On the overall fight against IS, you say signs are promising. Really, what are those signs?

DAVID JOHNSTON: The territory that continues to be captured and held, well in my view, was changed in the past. We have seen territory captured and then lost. That means that it had to re-captured. That’s occurring less now and increasingly, both in the north, the operations up and towards Tikrit and both the west, I think is still more contestable than other parts of Iraq but when territory is captured it now tends to be held in a better manner than it was in the past. So, there is both the line of troops is moving to having increasing territory under Government of Iraq control and they are holding it once they’re obtained.

QUESTION: Is there any way to quantify the sort of area that’s been recaptured?

DAVID JOHNSTON: Not in square kilometres terms yet, that’s what we’ve done in the past and that – well, it has increased from what – certainly from the last briefing I gave you at – about six weeks ago. The quantity of it I can’t give you in a square kilometre terms and it – in part, I need to offer that to you in a meaningful manner because it’s a very broad front now that it’s not like a single piece of territory that’s been taken, it’s a moving one.

QUESTION: And you actually mentioned the destruction of parts or all of the defensive wall. Can you tell us more about that, what it was made of or how effective it wasn’t as a defensive position? And also you said the word industrial bombings in Tikrit. Can you expand on?

DAVID JOHNSTON: I’ll clarify that, it was industrial-scale use of improvised [indistinct] devising devices. So, that – using them very much as a widespread defensive [indistinct]. But I’ll ask Air Commodore Iervasi who can particularly talk about the air strikes against defensive structures.

JOE IERVASI: [Indistinct] so the wall [indistinct] that you would have [indistinct] that have been constructed over a considerable piece of territory, so that provides both a defensive mechanism for the Daesh to protect themselves against them also provides a funnelling mechanism for the advancing forces. If they can’t get through the wall, they’ll have to go around them so it provides an easier defensive posture for the Daesh. So the aim there was to actually breach [indistinct] pass the wall to firstly complicate the defensive structures of Daesh and then secondly give the Iraqi security forces more options from a defence perspective there as well.

QUESTION: [indistinct]

JOE IERVASI: They’re in the order of about 50 to 70 feet high so this is as quickly as they can build them with bulldozers so not only we actually attacking the [indistinct] themselves but we’re also attaching the equivalent that the Daesh are using to build the [indistinct] so all earth moving equipment as well. The other thing that’s been actively engaged in is we know generally speaking how Daesh command control and how they coordinate so our ability to strike at their mustering points or their command control nodes disrupts their ability to coordinate their own defensive and offensive strikes there as well. So whilst we might hear there’s a command control node what is happening it really gives the local Daesh command of the ability to co-ordinate their forces and by taking that particular communication node away from them, now they’re reduced back to stone age methods of communicating, depending upon their commanders in the field to make sound judgements. What we are actively doing is disrupting and creating a little more chaos there on the ground, which is confusing their ability to co-ordinate amongst themselves in a times the rapid advancement of the Iraqi Security Forces has overwhelmed the Daesh forces as well.

QUESTION: How would you describe the co-ordination of Daesh is it really like serially messy as far as battalions and sort of the organisation on the ground and how is it affected? Are there leaders of small groups of troops or..?

DAVID JOHNSTON: It isn’t constructed like a conventional army which gives it some flexibility and adaptability as a consequence so that there is a command structure there, it is adaptive and it recovers from losses. I think I have mentioned last time there have been a significant number of senior leaders and the more experienced fighters from the [indistinct] 9500 people that includes a fair element of their experienced fighter within that. That causes a loss of experience which means that they then are less tactically proficient and they present themselves in a manner that is more open to targeting because of the loss of that expertise that they’ve had when the comments that Air Commodore Iervasi made when we tried the communications and co-ordinating mechanisms all of it acts collectively to increase the risk to their operations and prevents opportunities too. So we continue to see them evolve in their fighting for chains, the way they’re operating themselves, the coalition and Iraqi effectiveness but the gradual attrition of their capability continues to increase their risk levels.

QUESTION: How’s your relationship with the Iranians and is there any direct contact between Australians and the Iranian? And do you have any concerns about the behaviour of the Shia militia groups in certain terrorist grouping? How’s that [indistinct]?

DAVID JOHNSTON: We don’t have any direct relationship with the Iranians but you would have seen the Foreign Minister I think has a planned visit there soon so at the national level we certainly have that and that provides an important means of dialogue for us. Issues around the Shia militia group and their conduct are important. It’s important for the Government of Iraq because they need to maintain that inclusive government that addresses what had occurred in the past between the Sunni and the Shia parts of their community but because this is a government of Iraq led activity it is their responsibility to make sure that they are exerting the influence that they can over the Shia militia groups to make sure that they’re acting in a manner that the Government of Iraq can continue to function. And the way that the Shia group operates in Sunni areas will be an important test for example, that it is vital that the Government of Iraq brings that together.

QUESTION: Getting it right so far?

DAVID JOHNSTON: To our knowledge it is we’ve seen that there is reports of some incidents occurring and they will need to continue to be addressed by the Government of Iraq but collectively on the whole, it appears relatively positive so far.

QUESTION: The seemingly unintentional brief from Pentagon and some of the details of the Mosul operation does that have much of an impact on any Australian goal in planning for that [indistinct]?

DAVID JOHNSTON: Not to my knowledge I mean there’s still a fair way to go with the Mosul planning so any issues in terms of what information was made public will just be incorporated into how they refine it. They just planning now but there’s a lot of work yet to be done.

QUESTION: Has it delayed things?

DAVID JOHNSTON: No not to my knowledge.

QUESTION: As I understand it we’ve taken on the important bit with the task of basically recruit and [indistinct] division?

DAVID JOHNSTON: Not so much recruit training so they’ll – the experience levels of brigades that will come to us will vary but it is all foundation training all the way up through to the [indistinct].

QUESTION: The critical importance of IEDs since being mentioned I think my – would it be more efficient for us to provide – we have very good engineering skills, would it – has any consideration been given towards perhaps increasing training offer how to run IED and the engineer?

DAVID JOHNSTON: It is already a key part of our advise and assist mission through the special operations cast group and it will – we are factoring that in to if we do provide that building partly capacity [indistinct] Taji it will include counter-IED training. So we recognise it is a fundamental skill set as is medical training, professional web constraining now all of it needs to be part of the package and that’s what we’re preparing for.

QUESTION: Just to clarify [indistinct] timeline in terms of this policy you said that they’re going to do their practices and [indistinct]…

DAVID JOHNSTON: Training.

QUESTION: Training after Easter, when do they actually [indistinct]?

DAVID JOHNSTON:That subject to when government makes its decision but we could see – be ready if that’s the outcome of could be starting to do forces probably by late April, May.

QUESTION: And how long [indistinct]

DAVID JOHNSTON: Typically these deployments are between six to nine months and it depends on the specialists involved it but that’s the typical bracket that we have.

QUESTION: And in terms of the special forces when they come back [indistinct]?

DAVID JOHNSTON: They will yes it will be a reduction in capability from about 170 we have now down to a much smaller contribution.

QUESTION: And there won’t be any more Special Forces [indistinct]?

DAVID JOHNSTON: No this is the last large rotations because the decision was we’ll have a small enduring contribution but we will continue to rotate those forces.

QUESTION: The fighting you’re talking about in Tikrit sounds very dangerous and costly and [indistinct] Iraqis and the militia suffering from [indistinct]

DAVID JOHNSTON: I haven’t seen too many reports of that now that we’ve got coalition assets providing that [indistinct] watch I’d expect both we will start to get a better opportunities of the circumstances on the ground but the fact that it has stalled in an indication of it being a difficult operation to conduct and the likelihood of casualties is high.

DAVID JOHNSTON: In different areas yes, now we’ve had reports of mobile phone towers being destroyed in order to deny that form of communication. Either for exploitation or they have an increasing view that elements of the communities whether it’s in Tikrit or Mosul is going [indistinct] against them and could use that communication to coordinate against them so all of that is reducing their capacity to be able manage and coordinate their own actions.

QUESTION: [Indistinct] Do they just sending notes around the place or what are they doing [sic]?

DAVID JOHNSTON: I think there are varied in [indistinct] push to talk radios, VHS, radios, there are other means of communicating in the absence of general mobile phone network and that’s what they’ll transition to. Satellite phones, there are other options there but all of us I think – we know how convenient the use of mobile phones are at home here. If that was denied us, that alternatives are much more difficult to use.

QUESTION: There have been reports that the militia have – because of the coalition air strikes in protest about the assistance coming from the US and others the militia have in fact retreated – ceased engaging in Tikrit, do you know anything about that?

DAVID JOHNSTON: I’ve seen the same reports we’re uncertain to the extent that’s true, I think that [indistinct] it’s important we know that the Shia militia groups are not homogenous in nature all of them are very different and partly their affiliations and degree of influence people exert on them. We have seen potentially some withdraw back from the very forward line but now out of the area.

So they may have pulled back to their main assembling areas or operating areas while others remain engaged. So the environment isn’t that they have all withdrawn. Elements of them have, but not extensively so, and I think we’ll get a better understanding of that.

QUESTION: On the Super Hornets; have they all returned yet, or are they on their way?

DAVID JOHNSTON: They’ll be back this week.

QUESTION: So the Daesh forces to the southwest of [indistinct] a fortnight ago – it is an advance, an offensive from the Daesh forces to the southwest of Tikrit, aiming presumably to cut of the forces that – the Iraqi forces that have moved to the north? Are you aware – has that been halted, at the [indistinct]?

DAVID JOHNSTON: I’m not aware explicitly of that, but equally, I’m not aware of any significant constraints on the Government of Iraq forces in and around Tikrit. So they’ve got pretty good freedom of movement at the moment. For the Government forces to operate in that area.

QUESTION: Would you mind just explaining to us – the rationale behind the swapping from the Super Hornets to the [indistinct] are there any advantages or disadvantages?

UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: For the next twelve years(*) [indistinct].

JOE IERVASI: Essentially because we’re going on operations for an extended period of time, we need to factor into account how to [indistinct] strike aircraft over the period. As you’re aware, our air force is only so big, and at some stage we’re going to have to worry about our entire economy of forces. So primary reason for that – the Super Hornets have done [indistinct] now, it’s all just part of the sustained air campaign that we’re running. The capabilities of the aircraft are similar but different. The Super Hornet’s being a two-seat aircraft, it’s a more recent build than the Hornet as well, which was leveraged off the lessons [indistinct]. Super Hornets are very capable [indistinct] the classic Hornet, single seat, has essentially the same capabilities of the Super Hornet, but not necessarily integrated to the same degree. What that means is the cockpit workload is a little bit [indistinct] in a single-seat platform, on a single seat [indistinct] but – it’s the capabilities they’ve got to bring in terms of their targeting form, professionalism with the crews, weapons of the Super Hornet are near on identical to what [indistinct].

QUESTION: Is one as safe as the other?

JOE IERVASI: Yes, absolutely.

QUESTION: Just a couple of clarification questions [indistinct] in terms of the New Zealand troops training(*), how many Aussie troops are they working [rest of question inaudible]?

DAVID JOHNSTON: We’re preparing a force of up to about 300 people. It’ll be a combined force of 100 New Zealand and around 300 Australians.

QUESTION: In terms of the wall, you said up to 70 feet high?

DAVID JOHNSTON: Yeah, that’s an overestimate. It’s going to be probably up to about 50 feet. [Indistinct] yes.

DAVID JOHNSTON: Absolutely, they use natural protections from which they can leverage the [indistinct] wall there as well. [Indistinct] where their strengths and disposition of their own forces. They’re used, generally – the walls are used to either funnel force to go a particular way, and also to reinforce protection at weak points in their own defensive structures.

JOE IERVASI: When we talk about what are shaping operations, it is all about opening up opportunities in the [indistinct] defensive – that is to your advantage rather than the advantage of those fighting forces that we are trying to [indistinct].

QUESTION: You were saying earlier before as well, about buildings that [indistinct] Australian airstrikes are able to destroy – can you tell me what [rest of question inaudible]

JOE IERVASI: I was talking broadly(*) because we strike a significant number of buildings – ISIL used them as headquarters – used them as assembly points to bring their fighters into and then operate from factories, I imagine IED factories where they’ll be building the explosives that they’re using. So each of those are targetable. And we have targeted a whole range of buildings in those circumstances.

QUESTION: Of the 18,000 [indistinct] foreign fighters, you haven’t [indistinct] on how many [rest of question inaudible]?

DAVID JOHNSTON: I don’t have a great deal more information – we don’t track that closely. I’ve seen reporting [indistinct] than you have – about 90 remains the figure that I’m aware of. And equally, I’m not aware of – apart from those incidents that have been reported in the media, like the Joe [indistinct] incident of Australians being killed – none by our [indistinct].

QUESTION: [Indistinct]? And are you trying to confirm any of these kills(*)?

DAVID JOHNSTON: In what context?

QUESTION: [Inaudible question]

DAVID JOHNSTON: No, we aren’t. So if they’re fighting there, they’re one of 18,000 – that people who are eligible for us, if we focused on the broader issue rather on the [indistinct] Australians in there. Other Government agencies are very focused on that issue, but not Defence.

QUESTION: Just on the success of Ocean Shield – [indistinct] a broad outline of Ocean Shield [indistinct] drug smuggling [rest of question inaudible]?

DAVID JOHNSTON: Ocean Shield is the NATO operating targeting piracy through that Gulf of Aden area – be aware, there are a number of complimentary operations that occur in there that EU conduct off [indistinct]. Our own work is typically with the Coalition military forces under Task Force 150. We’ve moved success from operating with Coalition military forces to operating under NATO’s operational authority. It’s fairly significant, I think from a maritime perspective -obviously we’ve worked with NATO very closely in Afghanistan and other locations. This is quite new ground for us in our relationship with them – on maritime ground. So all of it continues to build our respective knowledge of working with each other, to understand the complexities of different military authorities and what it takes to be able to work under their umbrella.

QUESTION: [Indistinct] if you just want to speak on Australia supporting the air missions in Syria. Could you go into that a little bit further, exactly? [Indistinct] exactly what is going on there?

DAVID JOHNSTON: I think we’ve said the Canadians have announced that they’ll now conduct their operations in Syria, but there is no proposal yet for Australia to do so. But it is all a complimentary [indistinct]. You take – whether it’s American strike aircraft or Canadian strike aircraft – you’re moving them from operations in Iraq and in fact(*) operations over Syria. We continue to back [indistinct] to make sure there’s a treatment and an operational [indistinct] in Iraq. So there’s a broader spread for some of those nations; it means potentially more work for others like us, in continuing to provide a significant air operations capability in Iraq. But no change in Australian contribution.

QUESTION: We are of course engaged in operations [indistinct] in Iraq and Syria although I think you [indistinct] Syria. On the other hand, in Yemen, America has indicated that it’s quite possibly about the [indistinct] opposition to the Shia insurgency there. Have we been involved in that in any way, are we likely to be? Is Success involved?

DAVID JOHNSTON: No, we’re not involved, and there’s no ongoing planning to do so. Success operations – well, [indistinct] very proximate to Yemen, but not in any matter that’s impacting any activities on the ground.

QUESTION: [Indistinct] Syria – the Wedgetail and the [indistinct] are Coalition aircraft that might be going into Syria.

DAVID JOHNSTON: That’s true.

QUESTION: Our people would stay well away from the border.

DAVID JOHNSTON: Yes. So we’re not flying over Syria, and certainly not conducting any air ground operations there. But our air-ported(*) fueller could be tanking aircraft that are subsequently moving over Syria, so.

QUESTION: [Interrupts] But not from Syrian airspace?

DAVID JOHNSTON: Not from Syrian airspace, no.

QUESTION: Vanuatu – 527 personnel, [rest of question inaudible]?

DAVID JOHNSTON: It’s a [indistinct] Defence personnel enjoy those circumstances where they can go in directly and assist people who genuinely need it…

QUESTION: [Indistinct]

DAVID JOHNSTON: We are the largest there; and quite significant. We’ve been working with New Zealand and the French in particular, who have had [indistinct] and aircraft operating there. So we’ve formed a joint task force in Port Vila that is helping co-ordinate both the military effort from other nations, and the [indistinct] Vanuatu. Thank you all. Have a very good day.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/30/transcript-press-conference-with-vice-admiral-david-johnston-and-air-commodore-joe-iervasi-update-on-australian-defence-force-operations-30-march-2015/feed/Job well-done for the RAAF’s Super Hornets in the Middle Easthttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/28/job-well-done-for-the-raafs-super-hornets-in-the-middle-east/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/28/job-well-done-for-the-raafs-super-hornets-in-the-middle-east/#commentsSat, 28 Mar 2015 02:14:14 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7858The Australian Air Task Group conducting operations in Iraq will farewell its six Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet multi-role fighter aircraft that have been flying high tempo air-strike operations since September.

As part of US led Coalition air operations, the F/A-18A Hornets from Number 75 Squadron have replaced the Super Hornets to continue combating the Daesh terrorist threat in Iraq.

RAAF Air Task Group Commander Air Commodore Glen Braz said the new strike team had completed a comprehensive transition and was now flying combat air operations.

“The last two weeks have been a particularly busy period for the ATG with the current Super Hornet rotation continuing to perform missions together with the new strike element,” AIRCDRE Braz said.

“During the transition, having two outstanding fighter squadrons fly together in combat is a historic milestone for the RAAF.”

The incoming F/A-18A Hornet is a single-seat multi-role fighter while the F/A-18F Super Hornet is a two-seater.

In addition to individual Pilot and Weapon Systems Officer hand-overs, all related supporting personnel have been ‘briefed-in’ and are now fully operational.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/28/job-well-done-for-the-raafs-super-hornets-in-the-middle-east/feed/Australian Forces at work on Tanna Islandhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/27/australian-forces-at-work-on-tanna-island/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/27/australian-forces-at-work-on-tanna-island/#commentsFri, 27 Mar 2015 06:10:05 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7855Australian aid continues to support regional Vanuatu with the arrival of HMAS Tobruk off the west coast of Tanna in Vanuatu’s southern Tafea Province.

Loaded with military engineers, plant equipment and humanitarian aid, Tobruk’s presence will bring relief to the people of one of the islands hardest hit by Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Pam.

HMAS Tobruk arrived at Tanna on March 25 and will transfer personnel and equipment ashore using two embarked Army LCM-8 landing craft and a Navy MRH90 helicopter once bad weather clears.

ADF support to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade-led relief effort is being conducted under Operation PACIFIC ASSIST 2015 through the 500-strong Joint Task Force 665 (JTF665).

Commander JTF665 Captain Jay Bannister RAN said the overall effort so far has been significant.

“Despite the challenges involved in sustained natural disaster response, I am extremely proud of the way the men and women of the ADF have responded to help one of our closest neighbours and dearest friends,” CAPT Bannister said.

“We will continue to work tirelessly with our French and New Zealand partners to provide aid and recovery response to those most in need.”

Australian engineers and advance parties on Tanna are conducting beach surveys to locate suitable amphibious landing zones, as well clearing routes for vehicle mobility.

“Concurrently, we have started delivering aid to the island of Erromango using the MRH90 helicopter embarked on HMAS Tobruk and by S-70 Black Hawks to Anatom,” CAPT Bannister said.

“Our main priority is to help improve the lives of those who are doing it tough, as quickly as we can.”

The ADF has so far delivered over 145 pallets of cargo to Vanuatu since the start of the operation.

Two Army S-70 Black Hawk helicopters and a RAAF King Air are providing tactical transport of personnel and stores to outlying areas from Port Vila, while RAAF C-17A Globemaster and C-130J Hercules transport aircraft are continuing to provide airlift between Australia and Vanuatu.

Media contacts:

Chloe Petch (Minister Andrews’ Office) 0477 395 356

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/27/australian-forces-at-work-on-tanna-island/feed/Chief of the Defence Force welcomes home Afghanistan veteranshttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/21/chief-of-the-defence-force-welcomes-home-afghanistan-veterans/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/21/chief-of-the-defence-force-welcomes-home-afghanistan-veterans/#commentsSat, 21 Mar 2015 00:20:46 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7814Australian Defence Force personnel joined colleagues from the Australian Federal Police, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and other government agencies on parade across the country today to mark the end of Australia’s longest military operation.

Operation Slipper commenced in October 2001 and formally ended on 31 December 2014.

“Today’s parades were an important opportunity for the community to acknowledge the important contribution of more than 34,500 Australians who deployed to Afghanistan over the past 14 years.

“These men and women were part of the international fight against terrorism and they trained and mentored the Afghan National Security Forces to help the people of Afghanistan establish a solid foundation for a better future.

“Together, they have made a lasting contribution to improve the quality of life in Uruzgan province and given the people of Afghanistan hope and the opportunity for a safer, more prosperous future.

“While the Afghans still have challenges ahead, there is a genuine appreciation for the work we have done and continue to do for the people of Afghanistan,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

Today’s commemorative events also honoured the 41 Australian soldiers who died in Afghanistan.

“We can never repay our debt to these men or their families, but we take pride in what they helped to achieve and we will honour them by continuing the work they started.

Air Chief Marshal Binskin told the parade in Canberra he was acutely aware that many veterans carried physical and mental scars from operations in Afghanistan.

“Every person who goes to war is changed by the experience in some way so while Operation Slipper is now complete, our commitment to the men and women who helped us achieve our mission continues.

“I want to assure all of you that I, and the senior command team, will do all that is necessary to ensure you receive the health care and support you need and that assistance is also available to your family.”

Air Chief Marshal Binskin also thanked Defence families for their support to deployed personnel.

The flight was on the morning of Wednesday 17 March (US CST) in a United States Air Force F-35A aircraft, as the Australian F-35A aircraft are currently located at Luke Air Force Base, in anticipation of the opening of the international pilot training centre in mid 2015. SQNLDR Jackson will continue his intensive training program over the coming months.

The F-35A (commonly known as the Joint Strike Fighter) will meet Australia’s future air combat and strike needs, providing a networked force-multiplier effect in terms of situational awareness and combat effectiveness.

The F-35A’s combination of stealth, advanced sensors, networking and data fusion capabilities, when integrated with other defence systems, will enable the RAAF to maintain an air combat edge.

The first F-35A aircraft will arrive in Australia at the end of 2018 with the first operational squadron to be established by 2020. The F-35A will replace the aging F/A-18A/B Hornets at RAAF Bases Williamtown (NSW) and Tindal (NT).

Media are invited to register interview requests at mediaops@defence.gov.au, however due to the intense training program Squadron Leader Jackson will not be available to conduct media interviews until the completion of his training.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/20/australias-first-f-35a-pilot-takes-flight/feed/NSW Employers recognised for supporting ADF Reservistshttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/19/media-release-nsw-employers-recognised-for-supporting-adf-reservists/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/19/media-release-nsw-employers-recognised-for-supporting-adf-reservists/#commentsWed, 18 Mar 2015 22:43:53 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7781NSW employers who have supported employees in their roles as Australian Defence Force Reservists were recognised at the Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC) NSW awards function at Victoria Barracks in Sydney last night.

DRSC NSW Chair Mark Todd said supportive employers were not only helping their own teams, they are also supporting Australia.

“It’s important we take the time to recognise their support,” he said.

The Employer Support Awards acknowledge the efforts employers make to create a workplace that supports Reserve members of the Australian Defence Force. By creating a flexible environment employers make it possible for Reservists strengthen and develop their military and civilian skills through part-time service in the ADF.

The awards provide an opportunity for employers to network and discuss their positive experiences of having Reservists on their staff.

It is also a chance for employers to find out more about the programs and activities offered by Defence Reserves Support, gain a better understanding of the many roles that Reservists undertake and how the skills they learn in the ADF are transferable to the civilian workplace.

The DRSC holds the National Supportive Employer Awards in Canberra each May. Each State has the opportunity to nominate a supportive employer from each category to be considered for the national award.

For the National Employer Support Award the NSW DRSC will be nominating:

Small business category: Disability Information and Advocacy Service (Bathurst)

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/19/media-release-nsw-employers-recognised-for-supporting-adf-reservists/feed/Prince Harry to embed with the Australian Armyhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/17/prince-harry-to-embed-with-the-australian-army/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/17/prince-harry-to-embed-with-the-australian-army/#commentsTue, 17 Mar 2015 00:02:37 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7778The Australian Defence Force is preparing to welcome Prince Harry to the Australian Army.

Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin said Prince Harry, or Captain Harry Wales as he is known in the British Army, will be embedded with a number of Australian Army units and regiments in Sydney, Darwin and Perth.

“We have prepared a challenging program that will see Captain Wales deploy on urban and field training exercises, domestic deployments, as well as participate in Indigenous engagement activities.

“The attachment will also provide Captain Wales with an opportunity to gain greater insight into our Army’s domestic operating environment and capabilities.

“While all our units are highly capable, we have selected those units that best utilise Captain Wales’ skill sets and give him some experience of the diverse range of capability we have within the ADF,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

“Importantly, we are pleased that Captain Wales will be able to see first hand the work the ADF is doing to support wounded, injured and ill members,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

“The British and Australian armies have a shared military history as well as a long and enduring association. Secondments, exchanges, bilateral training and professional development opportunities between our two armies are routine practice.

“Captain Wales’ embed with the Australian Army is an extension of his regular British Army duties. It will build on his previous experience with coalition forces along with his advocacy work with wounded, injured and ill service personnel.

“It is also an opportunity for Australian Army personnel to learn from their British counterpart and I know our Diggers will welcome Captain Wales into the ranks when he arrives in Australia next month,” Air Chief Marshal Binksin said.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/17/prince-harry-to-embed-with-the-australian-army/feed/Response to Skynet reportinghttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/16/response-to-skynet-reporting/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/16/response-to-skynet-reporting/#commentsMon, 16 Mar 2015 06:34:20 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7776On Sunday 15 March and Monday March 16, 2015, a number of news outlets broadcast or published items regarding an unauthorised file-sharing network, known as Skynet, that existed at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) in 2009. Skynet used the University of NSW network system, without the University’s knowledge at the time. Skynet served a functional purpose to support information sharing, but it became apparent that inappropriate material was also being passed.

The unauthorised file-sharing network was referred to the Australian Defence Force Investigative Service in 2009 and subsequently to the Australian Federal Police. Their investigations revealed that the inappropriate material distributed via the unauthorised network was not illegal and the matter was passed back to ADFA. The network was closed down in 2009, the hardware seized and the operators of the network faced disciplinary action under the Defence Force Discipline Act. In February 2013, Defence implemented an official communication system, known as the ADFA Cadet Intranet (ACI). This system is used by staff and cadets to share official information, and is monitored by system administrators and ADFA staff.

Defence takes complaints and allegations of unacceptable behaviour very seriously. Defence personnel are advised that all Defence information and communication technology, including computer networks, are monitored to detect any inappropriate behaviour. Disciplinary action will be taken where breaches are identified and may result in termination of employment.

Defence has maintained its position on this matter. As additional information has come to light, it has been provided to support subsequent enquiries.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/16/response-to-skynet-reporting/feed/CDF response to Herald Sun articlehttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/16/cdf-response-to-herald-sun-article/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/16/cdf-response-to-herald-sun-article/#commentsSun, 15 Mar 2015 23:40:29 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7732The Herald Sun article ‘It’s not about being in the military’, published on 15 March 2015, highlights one of the many challenges we face in addressing mental health care for Australian Defence Force (ADF) members – too often the data is distorted or misrepresented.

Contrary to the Herald Sun report, the ‘top brass’, me included, are very serious about confronting the ADF’s mental health issues head on and we are acutely aware of the number of serving members who have died by suicide.

Defence records show 106 ADF members are suspected to, or are confirmed to have, died by suicide since 01 January 2000. Of this number, 45 Defence members had previously deployed and 17 of these had one or more deployments to the Middle East Area of Operations. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs is responsible for providing healthcare for ADF members once they discharge as well as collecting and recording data, including the number of former ADF members who have died by suicide.

DVA is also conducting research in association with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare that will provide more accurate data on the number of suicides in the former ADF population and the prevalence of suicide compared to the general community since 1990.

Collectively, the ADF’s senior leadership is engaged in efforts to fully understand all the elements and factors that impact on our people, their mental health and their families. Over the past six years, Defence has spent more than $140 million on mental health programs and added 91 new positions to our mental health workforce. We have also conducted extensive research into mental health issues, including PTSD.

The research data clearly illustrates that exposure to traumatic events causes PTSD. In many cases a person will experience a traumatic event or events on deployment or during their military service. For others, the traumatic event may be the result of an external factor such as a car accident or assault. Regardless of what causes someone to develop PTSD or any other mental health condition, and the ADF is committed to providing the best possible care to those members.

Despite our best efforts, we acknowledge we do not always get it right and I accept there are a number of former ADF personnel who feel that their treatment was not up to the standard they expect. Their honest, open feedback is important to help us better understand mental health issues so that we can continue to improve the services we provide to those who seek help.

Mental health conditions such as PTSD can be successfully treated. Early identification, diagnosis and intervention by trained mental health professionals provide the best outcome for those dealing with mental illness. There are numerous of examples of people who have been treated for PTSD, successfully recovered and ultimately returned to normal duties. Sharing their stories too will go a long way to helping break down the stigma associated with PTSD and show others that it is okay to ask for help.

M.D. BINSKIN, ACAir Chief Marshal
Chief of the Defence Force

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/16/cdf-response-to-herald-sun-article/feed/HMAS Anzac deploys for Gallipoli commemorationshttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/15/hmas-anzac-deploys-for-gallipoli-commemorations/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/15/hmas-anzac-deploys-for-gallipoli-commemorations/#commentsSun, 15 Mar 2015 04:01:17 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7728HMAS Anzac and the ship’s company of 192 departed Sydney today for a once in a life-time deployment, supporting the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli.

Family and friends were on the wharf to farewell the frigate, which will spend five months visiting ports around the globe.

Commanding Officer HMAS Anzac, Commander Belinda Wood said the ship’s company was proud to represent Australia on this significant trip.

“Today is an exciting time for Anzac as we set off for ports many Australians never get the chance to experience.

“The crew are proud to have been selected. Every person has worked incredibly hard to get ready for this deployment and they’ll continue to do so. We have a demanding schedule visiting ports on three continents,” CMDR Wood said.

“The pinnacle of the deployment will be spending Anzac Day in Gallipoli with STS Young Endeavour and warships from Turkey, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada and France. As the Navy’s namesake ship, we will reflect on the strong and enduring legacy of those who fought on that shore, the Western Front and throughout the world’s oceans and helped forge our national identity.

“We will also commemorate more than a century of service by Australian servicemen and women,” CMDR Wood said.

Anzac’s first port stop will be at Diego Garcia, a coral atoll in the central Indian Ocean for replenishment. The ship will continue to Europe where she will visit ports in Turkey, Italy, Malta, the United Kingdom, France and Spain. Anzac will continue on to Africa visiting Morocco, South Africa and Mauritius, before returning to Sydney in August.

This is the second time that Anzac III will visit Gallipoli. In 2005, the ship supported the commemorations in for the 90th anniversary.

Anzac is one of eight Anzac Class Frigates operated by the Royal Australian Navy and in 2014 was the third to complete the Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgrade program, which provides an enhanced sensor and weapons systems capability.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/15/hmas-anzac-deploys-for-gallipoli-commemorations/feed/Defence completes Key Resolve exercise in Koreahttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/14/defence-completes-key-resolve-exercise-in-korea/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/14/defence-completes-key-resolve-exercise-in-korea/#commentsFri, 13 Mar 2015 23:05:58 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7726Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel have returned from the Republic of Korea after working with Republic of Korea and United States defence personnel during Exercise Key Resolve 2015.

The annual two-week exercise enhances military interaction between the ADF and defence forces of other United Nations Command member nations for the defence of the Republic of Korea.

Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral David Johnston said 17 Australian Defence Force (ADF) and civilian personnel had formed a small part of a multi-national command post exercise that featured computer simulation to portray the broader military operating environment.

“This exercise has been a valuable tool in allowing Australian personnel to contribute to a massive multi-national exercise and improve our interoperability with key allies,” VADM Johnston said.

“Alongside our relationship with the United States, Australia has been a strategic partner of the Republic of Korea since the Korean War and maintains close military ties with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Armed Forces.”

Exercise Key Resolve was conducted from 2-13 March 2015 and hosted by the Combined Forces Command (CFC), a bilateral ROK and US (ROKUS) organisation responsible for the conduct of military operations on the Korean peninsula.

The exercise started with training for participants and a seminar for General officers. Navy, Army and Air Force personnel, as well as specialist Defence civilians, also participated in a two-part computer-assisted exercise in various locations in the Republic of Korea.

The Australians formed a small part of up to 50,000 personnel from the US, South Korea, Canada, Denmark, France and the United Kingdom. The Commander Australian Contingent was Group Captain Ralph Kettle.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/14/defence-completes-key-resolve-exercise-in-korea/feed/A message from the Australian Defence Force Senior Leadershiphttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/13/a-message-from-the-australian-defence-force-senior-leadership/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/13/a-message-from-the-australian-defence-force-senior-leadership/#commentsFri, 13 Mar 2015 08:10:58 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7723A recent television documentary that focused on ADF veterans and their stories of dealing with PTSD and other mental health issues arising from their deployment has created significant public debate. This is potentially one of the most emotive topics relating to service in the ADF that is discussed in the public domain. Over the past six years, the ADF has put an enormous amount of effort into improving our understanding of, and screening for mental health conditions, particularly PTSD, as well as in preventing and treating such conditions.

As a result of this effort, we now have some excellent programs in place to assist our people and Defence works extensively and closely with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to provide a smoother transition for those ADF members leaving military service and earlier identification of mental health issues in that transition period. We consult with the Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Veterans’ Mental Health to ensure we are doing all we can in this important area.

We do not get it right all the time and there are a number of former ADF personnel who feel that their treatment was not up to the standard they would expect.

I accept the criticism of those who feel their treatment was not as good as it could have been and I welcome the debate on this important issue that has flowed from the program. Honest, open feedback is important to understanding the needs of those among us who are dealing with mental health issues and improving the services we provide to those who seek help.

One of the things that we as a senior leadership team of the ADF have been attempting to do is to more fully understand all the elements and factors that impact on the mental health of our people. This is time consuming but important work because we need to understand the factors that impact our people before they join, while they serve and, in conjunction with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, once they leave the ADF.

This requires a more sophisticated and mature debate on mental health issues than we have previously seen. Part of this is in presenting data that challenges conventional wisdom, but it is data that is crucial to understanding the whole picture. Without it, we cannot make the right decisions at the right time to support our people to the best extent we can.

We must be able to put these issues on the table and discuss them in a rational manner. The recent vilification of the Commander of Joint Health Command, Rear Admiral Robyn Walker in social media has caused us considerable concern. The comments are not only unfair and unwarranted, they are unacceptable. Rear Admiral Walker is a strong and vocal advocate for improving and delivering effective mental health services within the ADF and she works tirelessly to remove the stigma many feel still exists around the issue of mental health within the defence community and amongst our service men and women more generally. I have full confidence in Rear Admiral Walker and she continues to have my support and that of the ADF command team.

It is important that this debate focuses on the issues and not on individuals doing their best for the wellbeing of the serving and former members of the ADF.

We recognise that some individuals may not present with or become aware of mental health concerns while they are still serving. Some individuals may not present with or develop symptoms of mental health conditions such as PTSD until after they have discharged from the ADF. For this reason we continue to work closely with DVA to improve and strengthen the transition arrangements and support veterans and their families to seek help as early as they can before or after they have left the ADF.

Mental health conditions such as PTSD can be successfully treated. Early identification, diagnosis and intervention by trained mental health professionals provide the best outcome for those dealing with mental illness. We recognise the unique demands of military service as an occupation and we owe it to our serving personnel to equip them, and their families, to better deal with the stresses of the job and to support them throughout their career, including on their return from deployment.

Defence has, does and will continue to provide the very best in care, treatment and ongoing support for its people dealing with mental illness. Since 2009, Defence has spent over $140 million on delivering mental health programs and support for its members. We have also added 91 additional positions to our mental health workforce over the past six years. Regardless of whether it is a physical or a mental health illness or injury, deployment related or not, it makes no difference to the individuals’ access to quality health care in the ADF.

We continue to learn from our experience in supporting wounded, injured and ill personnel and from informed discussion about this important issue and we remain committed to providing the best possible care to everyone, whatever the injury or ailment.

The first military responders in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Marcia were members of the Army Reserve’s 11th Brigade, 31st/42nd Royal Queensland Regiment, which is located in the Rockhampton region.

These troops were followed by the Engineering Support Group (ESG), a task group of about 200 soldiers from Townsville’s 3rd Brigade, along with specialist liaison and command staff supported by MRH90 Taipan multi-role helicopters, which were used for reconnaissance and liaison tasks.

Based on the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment, the ESG played an important role in supporting the local community and emergency services.

Commanding Officer of the ESG, Lieutenant Colonel John Daunt said Army’s ability to swiftly move into the area and commence operations highlighted the resources, experience and equipment available to the deploying troops.

“We definitely hit the ground running, and within hours of our arrival we had multiple teams out in the community undertaking large scale clearance and recovery operations,” LTCOL Daunt said.

“This included the removal of fallen and damaged trees, dangerous debris and the restoration of access to isolated areas within the region.

“We also supported the re-establishment of essential services and assisted in mitigating against the threat of bushfire, which arose as a result of so much devastation in the more heavily vegetated areas.

“Members of the Engineer Support Group also cleared debris from schools and community areas and undertook minor construction projects.”

During the three-week mission the ESG completed the following tasks:

The clean-up and clearance of 15 schools in Rockhampton, Byfield and Yeppoon;

The clean-up and clearance of the Rockhampton Botanical Gardens and Zoo as well as the Kershaw Botanical Gardens, all of which suffered severe damage in the cyclone;

The clearance of more than five kilometres of strategic and tactical firebreaks in the Byfield area;

The establishment of a community burn pit to safely dispose of green waste in Byfield;

The clean-up and clearance of 18 major road culverts in Rockhampton and Biloela;

Clean-up and clearance as well as minor repairs to a Byfield wildlife sanctuary; and

Construction of playground seating and shade structures at the Byfield Community Centre and primary school.

LTCOL Daunt said restoring access to public places such as the Botanical Gardens in Rockhampton was a major step towards re-establishing a feeling of normalcy for the community.

“It was tough, demanding work in arduous conditions and I’m very proud of the work undertaken by every member of the ESG and the local Army Reservists who were first on the scene and provided invaluable assistance to the community,” he said.

The Australian Defence Force thanks the local community and emergency services for their support to the deployed troops.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/13/adf-emergency-support-force-concludes-mission-in-central-queensland/feed/100 stories reflect 100 years of Anzachttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/11/100-stories-reflect-100-years-of-anzac/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/11/100-stories-reflect-100-years-of-anzac/#commentsTue, 10 Mar 2015 23:02:53 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7717Australian Defence Force members have recorded personal messages that reflect what the Centenary of Anzac means to them.

One hundred stories, reflecting on 100 years of Anzac, will be published throughout 2015 to highlight the significance of the Anzac Centenary to current serving members of the ADF.

Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs said the Anzac Centenary was an opportunity for servicemen and women to remember those who had gone before them.

“The first Anzacs played a significant role in forging Australia’s national identity and defined our national character. They left a strong and enduring legacy that is carried forward by the men and women of the ADF today,” VADM Griggs said.

“These personal messages provide an insight into the significance of the Anzac Centenary to the men and women who continue to serve Australia and its national interests today.”

Commencing today, three messages will be published each week at www.defence.gov.au/events/centenaryofanzac, and will be disseminated on the various Defence social media including @DeptDefence and @VCDF_Australia twitter accounts.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/11/100-stories-reflect-100-years-of-anzac/feed/Largest ever Defence contingent to march in Mardi Gras paradehttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/07/largest-ever-defence-contingent-to-march-in-mardi-gras-parade/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/07/largest-ever-defence-contingent-to-march-in-mardi-gras-parade/#commentsSat, 07 Mar 2015 04:00:57 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7691This year will see the largest number of Defence members participate in Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade to-date. More than 100 Australian Defence Force members, together with 50 Defence civilians, families, friends and allies of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) community, will march in the parade.

In another first for Defence, the contingent will be led by the most senior enlisted members of the ADF. Warrant Officer of the Navy, Martin Holzberger; Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army, David Ashley; and Warrant Officer of the Air Force, Mark Pentreath have all volunteered to lead their personnel, alongside Parade Commander, Air Commodore Tracy Smart.

The ADF Officer in Charge of the parade and President of the Defence LGBTI Information Service, Squadron Leader Vince Chong, said he was proud to see the Defence and community contingent growing each year.

“The growing participation at this parade shows that Defence Force culture has changed for the better,” SQNLDR Chong said.

“This record turnout of volunteers, on an amazing night like the Mardi Gras parade, shows what can be achieved with strong leadership pushing for cultural change, even in organisations like Defence that are steeped in tradition.

“The presence and support of the most senior enlisted at the Mardi Gras parade will lead to positive workplace culture, allowing us to harness and fully utilise the talent of our personnel to defend Australia.”

Defence has been marching in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade since 2008 and marched in uniform for the first time in 2013.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/07/largest-ever-defence-contingent-to-march-in-mardi-gras-parade/feed/Defence celebrates International Women’s Day 2015http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/06/defence-celebrates-international-womens-day-2015/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/06/defence-celebrates-international-womens-day-2015/#commentsFri, 06 Mar 2015 03:14:21 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7694Defence will host a range of events in March as part of the United Nations Women Australia’s International Women’s Day 2015 celebrations.

Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin said the events would align with this year’s theme, Let’s not wait another 20 years for gender equality and the UN’s HeForShe campaign, which encourages men to identify and take steps to support women and gender equality.

“International Women’s Day is an opportunity for Defence to demonstrate support for women, both within its workforce and around the world,” ACM Binskin said.

“On an operational level, our military efforts have played a critical role in providing security, facilities and education for women in areas of conflict like those in Afghanistan.”

Although men still make up the majority of its workforce, in recent years Defence has improved access to flexible work arrangements within both the military and civilian workforce and removed gender restrictions in combat roles.

ADF combat role employment categories were opened to current serving ADF women in 2013 with direct recruitment to commence by 2016.

While acknowledging Defence still has some way to go to achieve the deep cultural reform it seeks, Defence leaders are confident these are being addressed through the continued implementation of Defence’s cultural reform strategy – Pathway to Change.

Defence Secretary Dennis Richardson said much had been achieved to improve gender equality in Defence during the past 20 years.

“We should be proud of our achievements, but we can’t afford to become complacent,” he said.

“Gender equality is not about ideology, numbers or political correctness—it is about enhancing our capability.

“As an organisation, we are taking steps to ensure that Defence better reflects the community it serves and that Defence can benefit from the talent of all Australians.

“This International Women’s Day, we are asking every member of Defence to support the UN Women HeForShe Campaign,” Mr Richardson said.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/06/defence-celebrates-international-womens-day-2015/feed/Projects of Concern list updatehttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/06/projects-of-concern-list-update/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/06/projects-of-concern-list-update/#commentsFri, 06 Mar 2015 00:33:04 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7689The Defence Materiel Organisation today announced the Royal Australian Air Force’s KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft had been removed from the Projects of Concern list.

Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews is pleased that the KC-30A MRTT aircraft has been removed from the Projects of Concern list after effectively being remediated.

Known as Project Air 5402, the KC-30A MRTT has been a Project of Concern since February 2010 due to delays in delivery by Airbus Defence and Space.

DMO Acting Chief Executive Officer Harry Dunstall said following an extensive development and testing program the issues previously identified with the introduction of the Aerial Refuelling Boom System had been resolved and Defence had formally accepted the capability.

“Resolution of this issue completes the remediation of all activities identified in the project’s remediation plan, and accordingly it has been removed from the list,” Mr Dunstall said.

“Airbus Defence and Space has worked collaboratively with us to address our concerns and I would like to recognise and thank Airbus for their efforts.

“This is a great example of the effectiveness of the Projects of Concern process in remediating troubled projects.”

Project AIR 5402 has delivered five new generation Airbus Military KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft.

These aircraft are capable of in-flight refuelling of current and future ADF aircraft and will provide a significant air logistics services capability.

The KC-30A aircraft has been conducting hose and drogue in-flight refuelling in the RAAF since 2011 and is being used to great effect on current operations in the Middle East.

The recent acceptance of the boom capability paves the way to begin introduction of the boom in-flight refuelling capability into service progressively through 2015.

The boom capability will now undergo operational evaluation and all aircrew will be trained before Air Force can declare a Full Operational Capability.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations: (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/06/projects-of-concern-list-update/feed/Air Force aircraft and personnel depart for the Middle Easthttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/04/air-force-aircraft-and-personnel-depart-for-the-middle-east-2/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/04/air-force-aircraft-and-personnel-depart-for-the-middle-east-2/#commentsWed, 04 Mar 2015 00:46:40 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7677A contingent of Royal Australian Air Force personnel and aircraft have departed for the Middle East from RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory.

The aircraft and personnel will replace elements of the initial Air Task Group which deployed to the Middle East Region in September 2014.

The Air Task Group is a key part of Operation OKRA, the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to the international effort to disrupt and degrade the Daesh terrorist threat in Iraq.

Six F/A-18A Hornets from RAAF Base Tindal will replace the six F/A-18F Super Hornets currently operating in the Middle East, and will join Australia’s Air Task Group that includes a KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport and an E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft.

RAAF C‑130J Hercules and C-17A Globemaster III aircraft are also available to provide additional humanitarian and logistic support as required. The F/A-18F Super Hornets will return home to Australia in the coming month.

Air Commander Australia, Air Vice-Marshal Gavin Turnbull, said he was immensely proud of the professionalism, commitment and dedication of all deployed and deploying Air Force personnel.

“Today marked the departure of the F/A-18A Hornets to Australia’s Air Task Group to the Middle East Region and is a significant event,” AVM Turnbull said.

“I acknowledge the immense amount of planning and preparation by personnel right across Air Force that is undertaken to successfully execute operational deployments.

“I also acknowledge the significant role that our members’ families and friends play in supporting their loved ones as they prepare for and undertake their operational deployment.

“Our people are well trained, skilled and professional members of the Australian Defence Force,” he said.

There are currently approximately 600 ADF personnel deployed to the Middle East as part of Australia’s contribution to the international effort to disrupt and degrade the Daesh terrorist threat.

Australia’s support to the mission is at the request of the Iraq and US Governments.

Media note:
Vision will be fed to the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery today.

Around 300 troops drawn primarily from Brisbane’s 7th Brigade will undertake training and preparation over the coming weeks to be ready for potential deployment in May.

These Army members will form Task Group Taji that will comprise a training team with command, force protection and support elements and include infantry, cavalry, logistic, communication and medical personnel.

Task Group Taji will contribute to the next phase of the Coalition’s strategy to disrupt, degrade and ultimately defeat Daesh and will work closely with personnel from New Zealand and the United States on the BPC mission.

Having arrested Daesh’s advance, the Iraqi Security Forces now require support to build their capacity to reclaim and hold their territory. The BPC mission is designed to generate capable and effective forces with the capacity to conduct independent combat operations against Daesh.

Our BPC mission will focus on improving the capabilities of selected Iraqi units to conduct the counter offensive against Daesh. Specific training will cover core operational skills including planning and conducting operations, basic manoeuvre and integration of intelligence into operations. It will focus on building the capacity of the Iraqi Security Forces to not only take territory, but to effectively hold it.

The Australian Defence Force is well versed in the demands of such a mission, having recently made vital contributions to the Afghan National Army’s transition to independence.

Task Group Taji personnel are not available for interview at this time as they focus on preparation.

Defence will provide advice of any media opportunities prior to deployment as details are confirmed.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/03/04/australian-defence-force-to-prepare-troops-for-iraq-mission/feed/Chief of the Defence Force reminds the ADF’s future leaders of their heritagehttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/28/chief-of-the-defence-force-reminds-the-adfs-future-leaders-of-their-heritage/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/28/chief-of-the-defence-force-reminds-the-adfs-future-leaders-of-their-heritage/#commentsSat, 28 Feb 2015 03:45:55 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7663The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Binskin joined family and friends at a parade in Canberra this morning to formally welcome 309 Year One Midshipmen and Officer Cadets to the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA).

“Your arrival on the parade ground symbolises the end of your initial military training and your entry into the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Air Force.”

As Australia prepares to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing, Air Chief Marshal Binskin reflected on members of the Australian Imperial Force who also began their military training in Canberra.

“Those Officer Cadets who graduated during World War I joined the ANZACs on the beach at Gallipoli; in the muddy trenches across the Western Front and the battlefields of Africa and the Middle East. They remind us of the values the ANZACs demonstrated which continue to shape our national character today.”

Air Chief Marshal Binskin encouraged the Midshipmen and Officer Cadets on parade to embrace and uphold the ANZAC ideals.

“At all times, you are expected to uphold the standards and values Australians demand of their service men and women – but more importantly, you are the heirs of the ANZAC legacy, custodians of the trust built over years of service and sacrifice and with that trust comes significant personal responsibility,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

ADFA is a unique military institution which combines military education and training with study for an undergraduate degree. Next week the officer cadets and midshipmen will begin their academy program through the University of New South Wales Canberra.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/28/chief-of-the-defence-force-reminds-the-adfs-future-leaders-of-their-heritage/feed/Defence participates in the 2015 Sydney Mardi Grashttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/27/defence-participates-in-the-2015-sydney-mardi-gras/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/27/defence-participates-in-the-2015-sydney-mardi-gras/#commentsFri, 27 Feb 2015 02:47:14 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7654The three most senior enlisted members of the Australian Defence Force have, for the first time, volunteered to lead the Defence contingent at this year’s Sydney Mardi Gras parade.

Warrant Officer of the Navy, Martin Holzberger; Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army, David Ashley; and Warrant Officer of the Air Force, Mark Pentreath will join more than 150 Defence personnel, including members of the Australian Defence Force Academy, Defence public servants and allies of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex community. Military members will again march in uniform.

Defence participation in the Mardi Gras parade is an opportunity for members to demonstrate pride for their Service and support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex members.

Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, said Defence’s participation in the Mardi Gras parade demonstrated its commitment to evolving the Defence culture.

“Defence values all its members and is absolutely committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive culture,” VADM Griggs said.

“The Sydney Mardi Gras is an opportunity for Defence to communicate its support for and inclusion of members within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex community.”

Defence will march in formation followed by other uniformed agencies who are participating in the parade.

ADF personnel have participated in the Mardi Gras parade since 2008 and marched in uniform for the first time in 2013.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/27/defence-participates-in-the-2015-sydney-mardi-gras/feed/Final entry into Sydney for city’s namesake warshiphttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/27/final-entry-into-sydney-for-citys-namesake-warship/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/27/final-entry-into-sydney-for-citys-namesake-warship/#commentsFri, 27 Feb 2015 01:34:03 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7651HMAS Sydney (IV) entered Sydney Heads for the final time as a Royal Australian Navy ship this morning, before being welcomed alongside Garden Island by former sailors, officers and support staff.

The Adelaide Class Guided Missile Frigate is scheduled to be decommissioned at the end of the year to make way for the Navy’s new fleet of Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers.

Commanding Officer Sydney, Commander Karl Brinckmann said the significance of the final passage was not lost on the ship’s company of 235.

“Today marks a significant milestone in Sydney’s history. It’s the closing of the chapter of the ships’ seagoing life,” CMDR Brinckmann said.

“There was a commemorative mood onboard the ship as we crossed the threshold of Sydney Heads for the last time and saluted the Sydney II memorial mast at Bradley’s Head.

“A number of former Commanding Officers joined us for the passage and reflected on all the ship achieved in her 32 years of service,” CMDR Brinckmann said.

Sydney (IV) was commissioned on 29 January 1983 and is the fourth ship to bear the name. During her service life, the ship received battle honours for service in Kuwait, East Timor, the Persian Gulf and Iraq.

“It is an exciting time to be in the Navy. While we will farewell Sydney, she is making way for a new generation of world class ships, which will provide Australia with an improved war fighting capability,” CMDR Brinckmann said.

During the months before she is decommissioned, Sydney will support alongside training.

When Sydney decommissions the harbour city won’t be without a namesake ship for long, with the third Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyer to be commissioned HMAS Sydney (V).

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/27/final-entry-into-sydney-for-citys-namesake-warship/feed/Fly past activity for the ADFA Chief of Defence Force Paradehttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/26/fly-past-activity-for-the-adfa-chief-of-defence-force-parade/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/26/fly-past-activity-for-the-adfa-chief-of-defence-force-parade/#commentsThu, 26 Feb 2015 02:10:07 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7646What:
A C-17 Royal Australian Air Force aircraft, S-70 Australian Army helicopters along with Bell429, MRH90 and S-70B Royal Australian Navy helicopters will conduct two fly past displays during the Australian Defence Force Academy Chief of Defence Force Parade. The parade officially welcomes Year One officer cadets and midshipmen to the Academy.

Media Note:
Assistance from the media is sought in notifying local Canberra and surrounds residents of the fly past activity. Australian Defence Force fly pasts are conducted within strict limitations. Safety and reducing noise effects are vital considerations in planning for, and the conduct, of fly past activities.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/26/fly-past-activity-for-the-adfa-chief-of-defence-force-parade/feed/DSTO and Airbus Group form strategic alliancehttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/26/dsto-and-airbus-group-form-strategic-alliance/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/26/dsto-and-airbus-group-form-strategic-alliance/#commentsThu, 26 Feb 2015 02:09:56 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7647DSTO has formed a new strategic alliance with Airbus Group Australia Pacific.

The agreement was signed in an inaugural alliance management committee meeting during the Australian International Air Show at Avalon.

The alliance will see the two organisations work closely together on a range of research and development projects related to aerospace defence technologies.

In particular, it will facilitate collaboration between DSTO and the Airbus Group in defence aircraft systems (including helicopters) and communications. Initially it will focus on maximising the capability of ADF aerospace fleets throughout their service life, and on improving communications capability.

Chief Defence Scientist, Dr Alex Zelinsky, said the alliance is a further step forward in strengthening the ADF’s aerospace capabilities.

“Our collaboration with Airbus Group will ensure the highest levels of support for the ADF’s future aerospace systems,” Dr Zelinsky said.

Airbus Group Australia Pacific Managing Director, Dr Jens Goennemann, said the partnership is an exciting initiative for both organisations.

“I’m delighted to formalise our relationship with the world-respected DSTO. Airbus Group has been good friends and business partners with DSTO for a long time and this strategic alliance can only enhance that successful relationship,” Dr Goennemann said.

“Combining Airbus Group’s aerospace expertise with DSTO’s scientific innovation will lead to increased Australian defence capabilities in the future.”

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/26/dsto-and-airbus-group-form-strategic-alliance/feed/New RAAF Worimi Hornet to recognise Indigenous servicehttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/24/new-raaf-worimi-hornet-to-recognise-indigenous-service/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/24/new-raaf-worimi-hornet-to-recognise-indigenous-service/#commentsTue, 24 Feb 2015 01:26:00 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7631The Royal Australian Air Force Worimi F/A-18A Hornet aircraft was unveiled today at the Australian International Airshow at Avalon, demonstrating Air Force’s commitment to Indigenous men and women who have served, and continue to serve, in the Australian Defence Force.

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown AO, unveiled the Worimi Hornet, featuring new Aboriginal artwork, in honour of the Traditional Owners of the land on which RAAF Base Williamtown now sits.

“This initiative expresses Air Force’s commitment to embracing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and contribution. Air Force values the diversity of all our people, and this aircraft is a way to recognise Indigenous inclusion in a significant way,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“Our people are our greatest asset for delivering air power. If we better understand, value and benefit from our collective diversity, Air Force will be a better organisation where people feel valued for their contribution to air power.

“I am delighted that the aircraft also features the pilot markings of the late Warrant Officer Len Waters – Air Force’s first known Aboriginal fighter pilot.

The artwork, by Australian design studio Balarinji, depicts Kilyarr Kilyarr, the Wedgetail Eagle—a powerful bird of prey which dominates the skies over Australian land and seascapes.

AIRMSHL Brown thanked the Defence Directorate of Indigenous Affairs who assisted Air Force with the initiative. Worimi Elders and relatives of WOFF Len Waters’ attended the unveiling.

The Australian International Airshow pays tribute to the heroes of military aviation.

Acting Chief Executive Officer, Defence Materiel Organisation, Harry Dunstall, said the project had been raised with the Minister for Defence, Kevin Andrews, who had directed DMO to work with BAE Systems to get the project back on track.

The project was originally approved in 2009 to deliver an enhanced Australian Defence Satellite Communications (SATCOM) capability through the delivery of a satellite ground station in Western Australia and an upgrade to the existing Optus C1 Ground Station at HMAS Harman (SGS-H).

Once delivered, the capability will interface with deployed forces accessing the Wideband Global Satellite (WGS) with the Defence Wide Area Network and Australian Defence headquarters and support elements.

Mr Dunstall said the project had experienced significant delays since approval and final delivery was now forecast to be completed some five years later than originally planned.

“Adding this project to the Projects of Concern list was the most appropriate option for addressing the significant schedule, technical and cost challenges facing the project,” Mr Dunstall said.

“The Projects of Concern process has delivered proven results with the remediation of 14 troubled projects with a combined value of more than $14.7 billion.

“The DMO looks forward to working together with our industry partner, BAE Systems, to get this project back on track to deliver this important capability to the Australian Defence Force.”

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/24/addition-to-projects-of-concern-list/feed/Statement from the Secretary of the Department of Defence and the Chief of the Defence Forcehttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/23/statement-from-the-secretary-of-the-department-of-defence-and-the-chief-of-the-defence-force/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/23/statement-from-the-secretary-of-the-department-of-defence-and-the-chief-of-the-defence-force/#commentsMon, 23 Feb 2015 01:02:55 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7606On Saturday 21 February the Weekend Australian reported that the Prime Minister had raised with “Australia’s leading military planners” the idea of “a unilateral invasion of Iraq, with 3,500 Australian ground troops to confront the Islamic State terrorist group”.

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, and the Secretary of the Department of Defence, Mr Dennis Richardson, advise that this claim is false.

“At no point has the Prime Minister raised that idea with the ADF and/or the Department of Defence, formally or informally, directly or indirectly,” said Air Chief Marshal Binskin and Secretary Richardson.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/23/statement-from-the-secretary-of-the-department-of-defence-and-the-chief-of-the-defence-force/feed/Launch of Plan Jerichohttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/23/launch-of-plan-jericho/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/23/launch-of-plan-jericho/#commentsSun, 22 Feb 2015 23:27:25 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7603A strategy to transform the Royal Australian Air Force for the future, Plan Jericho, was today released by the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown AO.

Releasing Plan Jericho in Melbourne ahead of tomorrow’s Australian International Airshow at Avalon, AIRMSHL Brown said the much-anticipated plan would set Air Force on a path of transformation for the future.

“In the next 10 years, the Royal Australian Air Force will have one of the most advanced aircraft fleets in the world. This will make our Air Force operations fundamentally different.

“We cannot be complacent, by thinking that simply having the next generation of aircraft technology, will create an advanced Air Force. The E-7A Wedgetail is already in service, and the F-35A Lightning II, P-8A Poseidon and EA-18G Growler are only a few years away.

“These aircraft will bring more data and situation awareness than ever before. We need to be able to share this information across aircraft platforms through networking, and enable good decisions without being overwhelmed by the high volumes of data.

“We need to work across Defence, to create integration with Army and Navy’s technologies to deliver the best possible options for Government from these advanced aircraft.

“We need to transform ourselves into a truly integrated, networked force that can realise the potential of this technology, and maintain our position as masters of the air domain,” he said.

Plan Jericho is not the ‘final plan’ for the future. Plan Jericho is the first step for Air Force to meet the challenges of the future. More work will continue in 2015, to further develop the three themes: harnessing the combat potential of an integrated force; developing an innovative and empowered workforce; and changing the way we acquire and sustain capability. Some of the outcomes that will flow from pursuing these themes will be the creation of an air warfare centre, development of new operational concepts and tactics and a greater focus on experimentation and testing.

“We cannot ignore the need to transform the Air Force to maintain our position at the leading edge of air power. The changes we make under Plan Jericho will allow us to maintain our ability to deliver air power for Government, when and where it is needed.”

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/23/launch-of-plan-jericho/feed/Defence support requested for Cyclone Marciahttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/20/defence-support-requested-for-cyclone-marcia/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/20/defence-support-requested-for-cyclone-marcia/#commentsFri, 20 Feb 2015 07:12:49 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7601The Australian Defence Force is to support Queensland emergency officials with post-disaster assessment in the wake of Cyclone Marcia making land-fall earlier today.

Emergency Management Australia (EMA) has requested Defence provide support to a Queensland Government requirement for wide area surveillance and post-disaster assessment using high-resolution imagery and analysis of the area impacted by Cyclone Marcia.

Defence has tasked the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to dispatch an AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft and a KA350 King Air tactical mobility aircraft to central Queensland to undertake imagery collection tasks as weather conditions permit.

Defence personnel are also liaising with Northern Territory emergency officials who are coordinating response to Cyclone Lam which passed over the north-east Northern Territory coastline earlier this morning.

Defence is monitoring the after-effects of both cyclones and is working closely with state and territory emergency management authorities.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by the cyclones and the resulting damage.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/20/defence-support-requested-for-cyclone-marcia/feed/Defence Chiefs talk tactics on countering Daeshhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/20/defence-chiefs-talk-tactics-on-countering-daesh/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/20/defence-chiefs-talk-tactics-on-countering-daesh/#commentsThu, 19 Feb 2015 23:27:01 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7573The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, met in Saudi Arabia this week with more than 20 senior military leaders from the international coalition to discuss ongoing coalition operations in Iraq to counter Daesh (ISIL).

“Effective action against Daesh requires strong cooperation between international partners. The coalition strategy focuses on a range of objectives from denying Daesh safe havens and building the capacity of Iraqi forces, to supporting effective governance in Iraq and disrupting the flow of money and fighters to Daesh.

“Australia is making a significant contribution to the coalition effort to disrupt and degrade Daesh in Iraq. Since air strikes began in August 2014, Iraqi and Kurdish forces, assisted by the international coalition, have reclaimed more than 700 square kilometres of previously occupied territory and restricted Daesh’s freedom of movement, forcing the terrorists to become increasingly more defensive,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

The Chief of the Defence Force said Australian Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) personnel in Iraq had helped the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and other coalition partners to gather important technical information from disarmed improvised explosive devices (IED), as well as coordinating coalition airstrikes to support the ISF’s ground offensive.

“Ultimately, we are working to improve the safety and security of the people of Iraq and also helping stop the spread of violent extremism to Australia and our own region,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/20/defence-chiefs-talk-tactics-on-countering-daesh/feed/Web Article – CDF & CMC Joint Media Round Table – 17 February 2015http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/17/web-article-cdf-cmc-joint-media-round-table-17-february-2015/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/17/web-article-cdf-cmc-joint-media-round-table-17-february-2015/#commentsTue, 17 Feb 2015 07:43:34 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7563The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin has emphasised the importance of maintaining interoperability with the North Atlantic Alliance of Organisations (NATO) during a meeting with the Chairman of the Military Committee, General Knud Bartels.

Air Chief Marhal Binskin said the Australian Defence Force (ADF) had built a considerable level of interoperability with its NATO partners through the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) operations in Afghanistan over the past decade.

“If you think about MH-17 last year, the fact that we’d had a good relationship with NATO out of Afghanistan and in particular the Dutch out of Afghanistan, it meant that we could deploy over there and be able to plug into support mechanisms, simply by the fact that we’d had that relationship in the past.”

General Bartels highlighted the importance of maintaining the relationship to ensure the armed forces of NATO nations and the ADF can work together any time, any where according to the circumstances.

“Unfortunately, geography and distance no longer protects us and a conflict or a challenge thousands of miles away can have a direct impact on lives, freedom, democracy and security throughout the world. That’s why Australia and NATO operations make sense. We are like-minded when it comes to the security of our citizens.”

Around 400 ADF personnel are currently deployed in Afghanistan under Operation HIGHROAD – Australia’s contribution to the NATO Resolute Support Mission. General Bartels and Air Chief Marshal Binskin share an optimistic view of Afghanistan’s future.

“I think that Afghanistan is moving in the right directions. It doesn’t mean there are no challenges. It doesn’t mean there is a 100 per cent guarantee at the end of the day. But I would say the chances are increasing on a daily basis for a positive outcome of Afghanistan,” General Bartels said.

“If you look at the trajectory Afghanistan’s on, they had two elections last year that the Afghan National Security Forces provided the security for. We saw a successful transition of government. We’re seeing a President who is taking a keen interest in the security of the nation. We’re seeing cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan now that we hadn’t seen as well before. So, you’re seeing a lot of positive trends at the moment for the security.

“It’s not over by a long way, there’s a long way to go, but the trends are all positive,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/17/web-article-cdf-cmc-joint-media-round-table-17-february-2015/feed/Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin and General Knud Bartels, Chairman of the NATO Military Committe media conference, Canberrahttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/17/chief-of-the-defence-force-air-chief-marshal-mark-binskin-and-general-knud-bartels-chairman-of-the-nato-military-committe-media-conference-canberra/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/17/chief-of-the-defence-force-air-chief-marshal-mark-binskin-and-general-knud-bartels-chairman-of-the-nato-military-committe-media-conference-canberra/#commentsTue, 17 Feb 2015 05:30:00 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7561MARK BINSKIN:
Good morning everyone. I’d just like to introduce General Bartels, the chairman of the military committee for NATO, who’s out visiting for a couple of days here to get a better understanding of where Australia sits regionally and what drives us strategically. We’ve had a chance to talk about our engagement with NATO, in particular in Afghanistan over the next couple of years. I thought it was a good chance for the General to be able to talk to you, answer questions that you might want to pose to him. At the end of it, we’ve got the chance to answer any more specific questions for Australia.

But General Bartels, if you’d like to say a few words first of all.

KNUD BARTELS:
Thank you very much and I will of course use this opportunity by starting to thank Air Chief Marshal Binskin for inviting me to visit Australia. But first of all and most important, I would like to – on behalf of NATO to thank Australia for its participation in the now-completed ICEF operation in Afghanistan and as well as thank Australia for its participation in Resolute Support Mission. And my condolences goes to the families of those who have lost their lives during the ICEF campaign in Afghanistan. I know what it costs and I know how it feels.

Needless to say, NATO is far away, geographically, from Australia and I definitely realised that flying down here. But we are still linked by many common values and commitments and more crucially, maybe, common threats. Unfortunately, geography and distance no longer protects us and a conflict or a challenge thousands of miles away can have a direct impact on lives, freedom, democracy and security throughout the world. That’s why Australia and NATO operations make sense. We are like-minded when it comes to the security of our citizens.

That is why for NATO, Australia makes a difference. A clear example of this commitment is a significant contribution by Australia of around 400 personnel in Afghanistan within the framework of Operation Resolute Support, or Resolute Support Mission, I should say, which is train, advise and assist mission and where Australia’s role is absolutely key. As to the discussion we have just had, we of course talked about enhance military cooperation between Australia and NATO and the inter-operability initiative which was launched at the Wales Summit.

We’ve just talked about Resolute Support Mission, which is also an issue we’ve been addressing, and then we have been looking at how we can enhance common training and exercising, education and so on, both in NATO’s area of responsibility, but also in Australia’s area – national interest area in all dimensions. So, it is a wonderful opportunity for me to visit Australia and thank you very much for having me.

QUESTION:
Afghanistan – the Resolute Support Mission ends at the end of next year. Are we in danger of leaving Afghanistan in the lurch when it’s over?

KNUD BARTELS:
First of all, I think we need to keep in mind that we are just at the beginning of Resolute Support Mission. We are here in February ’15 and the Resolute Support Mission ends at the end of 2016. We have a year to assess in 2015 how our situation is unfolding in Afghanistan, where for the first time, the Afghan National Security Forces will be entirely responsible for the security of the country. And I have to say, it looks quite promising. It doesn’t mean that there are no challenges, but it looks quite promising.

We will need to have a flexible approach as to how we’re going to deal with 2016 and NATO’s involvement in Afghanistan does not end by the end of 2016. There will be a partnership with Afghanistan and I know that Australia has set aside substantial funding for that partnership, support to the Afghan Government, etcetera, and we’re looking forward to cooperating with Australia on exactly(*) on that issue. So I think that the future of engagement in Afghanistan is on the right track and I think there is a very good chance that we would be seeing Afghanistan moving towards exactly what we would like to see, a stable and secure country.

QUESTION:
Do you support a more flexible timetable, General, as has been requested by President Ghani and has reportedly been discussed in Washington – and for that matter, CDF [indistinct]…

MARK BINSKIN:
General first?

KNUD BARTELS:
There is no doubt that we need to have pragmatic approach as to timelines in 2015 and particularly the fighting season in 2015. And we are indeed discussing this issue as you have exactly highlighted and President Ghani has made a very strong statement on the issue. I’m quite optimistic as to the outcome of this.

MARK BINSKIN:
We’d like to work more conditions based on time based for this and I think it’s good that President Ghani’s taking a keen interest in this and the transition of his country and we support that. I’d also like to say, if you look at the trajectory Afghanistan’s on, they had two elections last year that the National Security Forces – Afghan National Security Forces provided the security for that were successful. We saw a successful transition of government. We’re seeing a President that’s taking a keen interest in the security of the nation.

We’re seeing cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan now that we hadn’t seen as well before. And I was in Pakistan last week and I was up on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border talking to the commanders about their cooperation across border in trying to counter both sides border for the terrorist threat. So, you’re seeing a lot of positive trends at the moment for the security. It’s not over by a long way, there’s a long way to go, but the trends are all positive.

QUESTION:
Do you both see a further role for the Special Forces counter-terrorism operations? It’s – the US is doing it right now in partnership with the Afghan Special Forces and do you see a role for that being expanded to other – say to a NATO countries [sic] or for Australia?

MARK BINSKIN:
Me first. I think where you’re seeing the support is in helping develop the Afghan Security Forces capability. So that area there, in the training and capability development sense, is important to them in the long term.

QUESTION:
General – sorry.

KNUD BARTELS:
Yeah. I share the view. I think it’s too early to say exactly what we’re going to do in the long run. We have to – we should not forget that we might be talking about the end of 2016, but we first have to get through 2015 and 2015 will set the conditions for how events unfold in Afghanistan in 2016. And during this process, we will conduct consultation, not alone with 28 allies, but with our partners in this endeavour, to define how were going to move on beyond the end of 2016.

QUESTION:
General Bartels, could I just get your assessment of whether you think Islamic State is getting stronger or weaker in the Middle East? And given the Italians have called overnight for NATO involvement, just how do you see that unfolding?

KNUD BARTELS:
First of all, there is no doubt that ISIL is a threat to the world at large, in one way or another. More directly, of course, as to the neighbours of where it is unfolding its operation – primarily Iraq, Syria and part of North Africa and here I’m talking about Libya of course. The alliance, as such, is not directly engaged, but it monitoring very carefully the situation. We have participated – in fact we have conducted a reinforcement of the ballistic missile defence of Turkey, along the southern border, addressing a potential threat for missiles being launched from Syria. A substantial number of nations from the alliance, on a national basis, within a coalition of the willing organisation led by the United States, has engaged with a substantial numbers of our countries, are participating in the operation. But the alliance as such is not engaged directly.

What the future will bring, that is a political decision which will have to be taken in the light of events as they unfold in the region. I think it’s too early to say what will take place and there is not doubt the situation in Libya, also, in the light of the recent horrifying events of the beheading of Egyptian citizens is very, very worrisome. You said that Italy had called upon NATO to intervene. I don’t think that’s exactly what was said.

QUESTION:
Just an NBC [indistinct]…

KNUD BARTELS:
Yes.

MARK BINSKIN:
Chris?

KNUD BARTELS:
On that though, Turkey’s a member of the NATO alliance and once of the concerns is that Turkey’s been a gateway for fighters who want to get from the West and join ISIL.

KNUD BARTELS:
Well controlling borders in general is one of the difficult issues, and particularly in controlling the borders in that part of the world. I can guarantee you the Turkish authorities are very much aware of this situation and are also very much aware of the consequences of it. NATO, as such, is not engaged in police cooperation. This takes place either on the bilateral or multilateral basis or with the European Union and other neighbouring nations and so on. So we are not entirely engaged in it. But there is full awareness of ISIL from the Turkish authorities and we are in close dialogue with them as to potential evolutions.

QUESTION:
General, can you talk a bit more about the enhanced partnership and how you actually see that going forward? It’s – right now it’s difficult to see any particular conflict where Australia and NATO might actually be fighting side by side as they have been doing in Afghanistan, however obviously there are areas for that to evolve. What does that actually mean, putting that into practice the – what was agreed to in the [indistinct]?

KNUD BARTELS:
Should I, or you?

MARK BINSKIN:
Sure, I can talk about some of the activities that we’re doing with NATO. If you think about MH-17 last year, the fact that we’d had a good relationship with NATO out of Afghanistan and in particular the Dutch out of Afghanistan, it meant that we could deploy over there and be able to plug into support mechanisms, simply by the fact that we’d had that relationship in the past. For the future, there’s opportunities for us if we have ships in particular areas to chop across to NATO and participate in their operations, whether that’s counter-piracy, counter-drugs, or even just providing that situational awareness and more information for the situational awareness of NATO overall. There’s potential for us to do that. But, it’s a good relationship and it’s something we can use when we’re over in that area.

KNUD BARTELS:
I would just highlight a Danish sentence, which is, it’s difficult to predict particularly the future. And I’m not going to tell you where we possibly will be shoulder to shoulder in the future, but if you look back at what has taken place in the last 10 years, we have been surprised strategically quite a number of times by what has suddenly take place – ISIL being, we just talked about. Afghanistan did not – shall I say, was not on the screen before – the radar screen before 9/11 etcetera, etcetera.

So what I think is really important is to make sure that the Australian armed forces and the armed forces of the NATO nations are interoperable, can work together any time, anywhere, according to circumstances, when the governments of the nations in question make a decision that we have common interests and we need to share the responsibility of handling the issue. And that’s what I consider to be very important from my position as Chairman of the NATO Military Committee. That is why I’m here, among other reasons – to make sure that we establish the best possible military relationship between Australia and the alliance. And when the day comes where there’ll be a necessity to unfold this cooperation, we will be ready.

QUESTION:
Can you just explain – why isn’t NATO directly more involved in the Iraq conflict at the moment? Baghdad has asked NATO for help in training. Why hasn’t that decision been taken? Isn’t it a fairly obvious – isn’t there a pressing need for it?

KNUD BARTELS:
Yes. What you’re talking about is a training mission; it has a purpose of training the Iraqi Security Forces in one context or another. This requires very clear definition as to what is expected of the alliance in relation to the Iraqis and this definition has not taken place yet. There are negotiations ongoing and we’ll be ready the day the political decision is made.

QUESTION:
Is Baghdad not sufficiently clear about what it wants?

KNUT BARTELS:
It goes both ways. We have to make sure that the Iraqis know exactly what they want with us and we have to be sure we can deliver what they want. And as you know there’s a campaign ongoing for the time being – a military campaign between the Coalition, the Iraqi forces, against ISIL and its potential allies. And it is – this is the first priority for the Iraqi authorities. And as soon as we get a clear definition – as I mentioned, then we will be ready to move, pending political decision.

MARK BINSKIN:
… so, were just talking as a NATO framework, not as NATO nations.

KNUT BARTELS:
A substantial number of NATO nations are involved actively – be it Germany, my own nation, the nations flying close air support, or other operations.

QUESTION:
We’ve seen ISIL arise in states with weak central governments or have been completely destabilised by war – so Syria, Iraq, Libya now. How concerned are you in fact as Afghanistan transitions out, that there are parts of that country that are destablilised enough that you might see an even more dangerous enemy arise there?

KNUT BARTELS:
In Afghanistan?

QUESTION:
In Afghanistan, the next possible…

KNUT BARTELS:
Yes. I think that the – as Air Chief Marshal Binskin highlighted, the new Government of Afghanistan with President Ghani has been very forceful in setting its priorities which is to develop the economy; to make sure that the Afghan national security forces know exactly what they’re doing and why they’re doing it. And the President has taken ownership of the challenges of Afghanistan. We have seen a breakthrough, hopefully to be continued, of the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan. So I think that Afghanistan is moving in the right directions. As I said earlier, it doesn’t mean there are no challenges. It doesn’t mean there is a 100 per cent guarantee at the end of the day. But I would say the chances are increasing on a daily basis for a positive outcome of Afghanistan.

QUESTION:
Obviously – the situation in Ukraine, the ceasefire at the moment – it appears there’s still fighting going on. Are you optimistic in fact that – essentially that Vladimir Putin is not a partner for peace. He clearly wants to change things on the ground and you’re constantly playing catch up. I know that’s not involved but [indistinct] situation anyway.

KNUT BARTELS:
The situation in Ukraine is pretty grave. And the ceasefire which has been agreed in this corridor – Minsk II agreement recently – yes, the jury is still out as to whether it will hold up. If it does not work out, it will be an even more serious situation. To a large extent this is – Ukraine itself, NATO is not involved – well, it is because it has created the five trust funds and etcetera. But not involved military in Ukraine directly. But we have taken steps which make sure that allies which might feel themselves threatened by further degrading of the situation in Ukraine, in particular the Baltic states, Poland, Romania and Bulgaria, feel confidence of the guarantee of the alliance.
And we have done this by both deployment of forces on a rotational basis, participating in exercises. We have reinforced the air policing. We are working on future developments with the Readiness Action Plan. And I am not in doubt that next year at the upcoming summit in Warsaw we will see the alliance very clearly what it expects as to the outcome of the situation.

QUESTION:
Was it a strategic mistake for NATO to start to embrace Ukraine – Vladimir Putin sees it as a threat?

KNUT BARTELS:
That’s a question we should ask those who made that decision.

QUESTION:
Do you see this as a new Cold War, General?

KNUT BARTELS:
No. I do not share the view that this is a new Cold War. The geography of the Cold War has changed completely. That’s the first thing. Secondly, all those nations are economically and financially closely linked to each other. And we cannot separate, if I may say so, ourselves from each other, as to a certain extent was the case during the Cold War. And then I would like to highlight that Russia is where Russia is and solutions have to be found for the future. Whether it is today or in 10, 15 or 20 years, that we don’t know. But solutions will have to be found.

QUESTION:
Alright. Are we asking one question on submarines, is that stressing the [indistinct]?

MARK BINSKIN:
Go for it.

QUESTION:
Simply on timing, obviously, the threat is that you face a capability gap at some stage so – clearly, you can’t comment on the politics of it, but can you give us some sense of the urgency of the need to move toward some kind of decision?

MARK BINSKIN:
Well we do need to work the process and keep it moving forward and therefore, as we do this competitive evaluation, that will help obtain the facts and the broad areas that we need to focus on as we move forward in the whole development and building of the submarine. So the current pace needs to be maintained, or we do risk the capability gap out in the future. And that’s what I keep an eye on. For me, as the overall commander of the Australian Defence Force, I want to make sure that we’re looking at a capability that will meet the timeframe and meet the capability requirements, because I’m always worried about the risks and the overall capability of the product that’s delivered in the end.

QUESTION:
So when do you need decisions to be made to get you in [indistinct]…

MARK BINSKIN:
The process that we’re running now is running the timeline that we need to be able to do that. We can’t afford this to be prolonged. Yeah.

QUESTION:
Is there a national security aspect in the argument for building them here in Australia? Sorry [indistinct]…

MARK BINSKIN:
There’s an emotive argument for me. I don’t believe you have to build to be able to sustain in the country. You have to know the system and you have to know it well to be able to do it. You – so – the build question is quite a broad question. If we integrate, if we have our test systems here, we’re participating in the construction, you get the knowledge through that to be able to sustain it. And to be honest with you, if you’re looking at an economic proposition here, two-thirds of the cost throughout the life is the sustainment. That’s where the best investment is because that gives us the wherewithal to adapt the platform over the 30 year lifetime. So…

QUESTION:
So in your opinion, they don’t need to [indistinct]…

MARK BINSKIN:
No, from my point of view, I want to manage the risks and I want to make sure that we get the capability that we need as a defence force to be able to look to the future. We’re talking 30, 40 years out here, so that’s where I come from as a commander.

QUESTION:
[Indistinct] …align with the expected release of the White Paper around mid-year?

MARK BINSKIN:
I think that’s the current timing that we’re working for for the White Paper. Yes.

QUESTION:
The White Paper and the submarines?

MARK BINSKIN:
I think there will be a lot of decisions and announcements that will come out that will be scoped around the White Paper. So I’ll leave it with that.

General noise]

UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER:
[Laughs] No, the General’s got to go.

* * End * *

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/17/chief-of-the-defence-force-air-chief-marshal-mark-binskin-and-general-knud-bartels-chairman-of-the-nato-military-committe-media-conference-canberra/feed/Royal Australian Air Force arrives in Guam for Exercise Cope Northhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/17/royal-australian-air-force-arrives-in-guam-for-exercise-cope-north/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/17/royal-australian-air-force-arrives-in-guam-for-exercise-cope-north/#commentsTue, 17 Feb 2015 04:07:29 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7559Over 200 Royal Australian Air Force personnel, eight F/A-18A/B Hornets, a KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport, and C-130J Hercules have arrived at Andersen Air Force Base on the tiny western Pacific island of Guam for Exercise Cope North Guam 2015.

This is the fourth time the RAAF has participated in Cope North Guam.

This year participating forces from United States, Japan and Australia will focus on air combat training and undertake a multi-lateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise.

Commander of the Australian Contingent, Group Captain Phil Gordon, said Exercise Cope North will provide excellent opportunities for RAAF personnel to work closely with key allies to improve interoperability and effectiveness in a multilateral environment.

“The air combat training will give us a greater understanding of each others capabilities and the ways in which we can work together as part of a coalition.” GPCAPT Gordon said.

“Australia has for a long time worked very closely with the US to develop our tactics, techniques and procedures. An exercise such as Cope North gives us the opportunity to validate the effectiveness of our training in a complex and demanding air combat scenario.”

“I am particularly excited to be working with elements of the Japan Air Self Defence Force. I think there is a lot we can learn from each other.”

The humanitarian assistance and disaster relief component will focus on providing support in the aftermath of a simulated earthquake and subsequent tsunami.

It will include the establishment of a headquarters from which medical support can be established and humanitarian aid can be distributed, as well as be the coordination point for aero medical evacuations and day and night time air drops.

“Due to the continual demand for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, exercises like this are an invaluable opportunity to learn and improve our procedures before we are called on to do it for real,” GPCAPT Gordon said.

The humanitarian assistance contingent comprises approximately 70 personnel, who bring with them specialisations including: Air Load Teams, Communications, Security Forces, Airfield Response Fire Fighting, Logistics and Administration, as well as a number of multi-disciplined staff planners.

The activity will be based at Anderson Air Force Base with expeditionary elements operating from the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas Islands of Rota and Tinian.

The exercise will run from the 15-27 February 2015.

Media Note: Andersen Air Force Base was constructed in 1944-45 as a base for the US 20th Air Force B-29 Super fortresses during the Pacific Campaign of World War Two.
Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20150307
Further imagery will be added to the gallery as it becomes available.

Media contact:
Flying Officer Natalie Giles – 0438 462 944
]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/17/royal-australian-air-force-arrives-in-guam-for-exercise-cope-north/feed/New Air Force uniform at the Australian Defence Force Academyhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/16/new-air-force-uniform-at-the-australian-defence-force-academy-2/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/16/new-air-force-uniform-at-the-australian-defence-force-academy-2/#commentsMon, 16 Feb 2015 03:57:37 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7557The Royal Australian Air Force today began the rollout of its General Purpose Uniform (GPU) in Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy.

One of the cadets to receive the uniform was Officer Cadet Frances Bell who said there was a lot of excitement surrounding the Air Force GPU.

“At ADFA we train every day with the other services and for a long time our working uniform has been the same as Army’s,” Officer Cadet Bell said.

“With this new uniform, we now have a unique identity on campus and in the community, not to mention that it also looks great.”

The GPU provides a consistent look for all Air Force personnel and enables them and their families to take pride in a unique Air Force identity.

The introduction of the GPU will be cost neutral, due to uniform production changes, depletion of existing stocks, and reforms to standard equipment issue.

The GPU is less expensive than the current Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform as it does not have the same camouflage requirements for warlike conditions.

Where an operational threat exists, appropriate clothing and equipment will be issued to meet the specific activity requirement.

The clothing will be made locally, providing direct economic benefits to the Australian community.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/16/new-air-force-uniform-at-the-australian-defence-force-academy-2/feed/Chief of the Defence Force visits Pakistanhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/13/chief-of-the-defence-force-visits-pakistan/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/13/chief-of-the-defence-force-visits-pakistan/#commentsFri, 13 Feb 2015 05:08:56 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7554The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, has completed a two-day visit to Pakistan where he met with his counterpart, Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Rashad Mahmood.

Air Chief Marshal Binskin said Australia’s relationship with Pakistan had grown in recent years to develop into a valuable partnership.

“In 2014 we provided places for up to 120 members of the Pakistan Armed Forces to attend a range of training courses in Australia.

“A similar number of Pakistani personnel will train at the Australian Defence Force Academy, the Australian Defence College, the Royal Military College Duntroon, and a range of other select training institutions this year,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

The counterpart talks also provided an opportunity for the Defence Chiefs to discuss mutual interests and measures to boost cooperation between the two nations in the future.

Air Chief Marshal Binskin also led the Australian delegation to the Australia-Pakistan 1.5 Track Dialogue. The dialogue provided an opportunity for a useful discussion on regional security perspectives.

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/13/chief-of-the-defence-force-visits-pakistan/feed/ADFA cadets take on lake challengehttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/13/adfa-cadets-take-on-lake-challenge/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/13/adfa-cadets-take-on-lake-challenge/#commentsFri, 13 Feb 2015 01:54:08 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7551Australian Defence Force Academy officer cadets and midshipmen took to Lake Burley Griffin this week for a series of water-based activities to develop confidence and test teamwork skills.

The activity is part of the ADFA Year One Familiarisation Training for the 310 new cadets and midshipmen.

ADFA Commandant Air Commodore Alan Clements said the training developed teamwork and communication.

“This activity provides a solid skill base developing teamwork and instilling confidence in the new officer cadets and midshipmen,” he said.

The aquatic challenge program included an introduction to water activities and equipment including kayaks, canoes and dragon boats. The activity operated between Yarralumla Bay and Springbank Island.

The training proved to be a challenging and rewarding break from military routine on one of Canberra’s most iconic locations.

“The dragon boating activity in particular was a great team building exercise and a bit of friendly competition,” said Royal Australian Air Force Officer Cadet Kate Gellini, from Sydney.

ADFA’s initial training period concludes on 28 February 2015 with the Chief of the Defence Force Parade. This parade officially welcomes all Year One officer cadets and midshipmen to the Academy and celebrates the conclusion of their initial military training.

A contingent of 150 Royal Australian Air Force personnel have participated with two C-130J Hercules transports and an AP-3C Orion surveillance aircraft, working alongside counterparts from the United States and United Kingdom.

The RAAF also sent an Air Battle Management team from No. 41 Wing, tasked with overseeing missions with more than 60 combat aircraft in the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR). The 30,000-square-kilometre tract of exercise area is home to an array of ‘enemy’ radars, ground-borne defences, and Aggressor fighter aircraft.

Flying low-level along ridgelines in the NTTR, a pair C-130J Hercules from the RAAF’s No. 37 Squadron hid from prying radars to deliver personnel and cargo to drop zones.

“This exercise represents the greatest test for the C-130J’s abilities since it entered RAAF service in 1999,” WGCDR Goldie said.

“During each mission, instruments on our aircraft and the monitoring equipment in the range, collect precise information about each engagement for use in debriefings.”

The face-to-face interaction between American, British and Australian personnel at Exercise RED FLAG 15-1 is invaluable to the success of future operations.

“It’s critical that we’re well prepared to participate in operations and speak the same tactical language as our partners,” WGCDR Goldie said.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Exercise RED FLAG, with Australia having participated since November 1980. Throughout its history, Exercise RED FLAG has recreated an aircrew’s first 10 missions in a war-like environment to increase their chances of survival in combat operations.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/13/air-force-units-wrap-it-up-for-exercise-red-flag-15-1-in-nevada/feed/New Air Force Uniform at the Australian Defence Force Academyhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/13/new-air-force-uniform-at-the-australian-defence-force-academy/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/13/new-air-force-uniform-at-the-australian-defence-force-academy/#commentsThu, 12 Feb 2015 23:46:09 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7543What:Royal Australian Air Force officer cadets will be issued with the Air Force General Purpose Uniform (GPU) at the Australian Defence Force Academy

Where:
Royal Military College (RMC) Clothing Store, Building A50, Findlay Road, Duntroon, ACT

When:
1 pm, Monday, 16 February 2015

Background:

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will begin the rollout of its new General Purpose Uniform (GPU) in Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy.

The GPU provides a consistent look for all Air Force personnel and enables them and their families to take pride in a unique Air Force identity.

The introduction of the GPU will be cost neutral due to uniform production changes, depletion of existing stocks, and reforms to standard equipment issue. The GPU is less expensive than the current Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform as it does not have the same camouflage requirements for warlike conditions. Where an operational threat exists, appropriate clothing and equipment will be issued to meet the specific activity requirement.

Ladies and gentlemen, are you all ready to go? For those of you who haven’t been to one of the operational updates, my name is Vice Admiral David Johnston. I am the Chief of Joint Operations. What I will do this morning is give you an update on operational activities in the Middle East region that covers what we have been doing for the last few months. In this time, we have seen Daesh continue to commit a number of atrocities, particularly actions against innocent civilians encompassing enslavement, the rape of women, mass executions, including against their own fighters who have tried to leave them and barbaric acts such as the immolation of the Jordanian pilot that we saw last week.

The Coalition strategy to counter Daesh consist of nine focal areas: supporting effective governance in Iraq; denying Daesh safe havens; building partner capacity, enhancing intelligence collection on Daesh, disrupting their finances, exposing their true nature, disrupting the flow of foreign fighters, protecting our national homelands, and humanitarian support. And that strategy encompasses both military objectives which we contribute to, but also the civilian efforts to counter them.

On the military side, in general terms, the advance of Daesh has been halted in Iraq. The Coalition has launched more than 2000 air strikes in Iraq and Syria since our operations commenced in August of 2014. The Coalition continues to strike at Daesh’s command and control, their supply lines, fighters and leaders, buildings and equipment, and their revenue raising sources. It is too early to talk about success but there are increasingly positive indications.

Daesh is on the defensive and trying to hold their territory that they have controlled. Their forces are suffering significant casualties, and are sending raw recruits into the battle front. Iraqi and Kurdish forces are estimated to have reclaimed approximately 700 square kilometres of previously Daesh-controlled Iraqi territory, while a reported 8,000 Daesh fighters have been killed in operations. It’s estimated that Daesh have available forces of between 20,000 to 31,500 fighters, including about 3,400 foreign fighters from the West. The international community’s efforts in stemming the flow of foreign fighters to the Middle East remains a key focus.

The Daesh campaign to take the Syrian border town of Kobani has failed, costing them countless lives, material, and delivering a significant psychological blow. Following the execution of the Jordanian pilot last week, the Jordanian Air Force has launched more than 50 strike missions against Daesh targets in Syria. In the north and west of Iraq, Daesh forces have continued to face focused assaults form Iraqi and Kurdish ground forces, and intensive attacks from Coalition air forces. Coalition operations are focused around a number of key areas. In Anbar the security situation remains contested, with Iraqi Security Forces, with the support of Sunni tribes, currently fighting for control of the province’s largest city Ramadi. Daesh maintains control of Fallujah and ISF continues to contest the approaches to that city.

The Haditha Dam on the Euphrates River remains under Iraqi Government control and the Daesh threat to capture that strategic infrastructure has diminished. Despite repeated counter attacks by Daesh, the Iraqi Security Forces continue to hold the important Baiji oil refinery to the north of Baghdad. In the past couple of days, the Iraqi Army has cleared through to the oil refinery, encountering a large number of improvised explosive devices during the clearance operation, which was ended 48 days of isolation for the Iraqi forces in that area. This cost Daesh dearly with dozens of fighters killed, and the loss of considerable amount of equipment. Australian strike aircraft have provided valuable close-air support to the Iraqi forces in the vicinity of the oil refinery.

Peshmerga forces operating to the north have gained control of the Kisik Junction, which is on a main transport route between Mosul and Syria, which is denying Daesh access to what has been a major supply route for them between Syria and Mosul. Shaping operations involving air strike operations in the vicinity of Mosul are supporting efforts for future Iraqi Security Force operations.

The signs of rolling back Daesh-controlled territory look promising, but we need to be prepared for setbacks. Daesh is a determined and brutal force who care little for civilian casualties and are increasingly resorting to using suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices. The Coalition air campaign has disrupted and degraded Daesh and has helped the Iraqi Security Forces gain time and space needed to mount a determined counter offensive. Coalition forces are using this time to train the Iraqi Security Forces to further improve their combat skills.

In developing the Iraqi Security Force’s military competencies, the Coalition, led by the United States, has developed a number of training sites. For operational security reasons I’ll not discuss precisely where Australian Special Forces are working, but the troops of the special operations task group have been working with Iraqi Security Forces both within the Baghdad area and outside of Baghdad within an Iraqi Army operating base.

Our forces are providing specialist support to Iraqi operations planning, and conducting training of them. Training has included 46 students trained in combat casualty care, 220 Iraqi Security Force personnel have received explosive hazards awareness training, and additional training has provided to about 600 students in urban combat skills. This training is bringing the capability of the counter-terrorism service to a level where they have improved confidence in their own combat capabilities, which is a key to their willingness to fight.

Within the counter-terrorism service there’s a cell that is training military working dogs. A Special Operations Task Group dog handler has been working with the specialist tactical unit, an Iraqi unit, and their K9 team to train and grow the number of dogs that can identify explosive devices and neutralise threats in a non-lethal manner. This capability has quickly expanded, and will soon add to the ability of the Iraqi forces to safely engage threats in close quarters, while also identifying improvised explosive devices.

In support of Iraqi ground operations our advise and assist personnel have co-ordinated the provision of Coalition air strikes to support ground offensive activities. We’ve today released imagery of the special operations task group training the counter-terrorism service on to the Defence imagery gallery which is available for your use. You will see that we have sanitised the identities of our soldiers. For air operations since the last operations update, Australian aircraft have continued to conduct regular air strikes against Daesh targets in Iraq, in support of Iraqi ground operations. The Australian rate of effort has contributed to about 13 per cent of the total Coalition air strikes. In January, our Air Force deployed 53 laser-guided and GPS-guided bombs, while the tempo in December was slightly higher with 61 500-pound bombs deployed.

Sixty per cent of the strike operations are being conducted in the north predominantly around Mosul and Sinjar areas, and Baiji and Salahuddin province. The remaining air strikes are being conducted in central Iraq near Ramadi, Fallujah, Al Asad and Rawah. Ninety per cent of the air strikes target Daesh fighters, with the remaining strikes focused on Daesh leadership and logistics. Since air operations commenced in September – that’s Australian air operations – more than 2,200 hours have been flown by our Super Hornets, 815 hours flown by the E-7 Wedgetail, the airborne early warning and aircraft, and more than 1100 hours by the KC-30 air-to-air refueler. The KC-30 has dispensed fuel to of course Australian aircraft but also aircraft from the United States, United Kingdom, France and Canada. New imagery of air-to-air refuelling operation s is also available on the defence gallery.

As an example of how our people are contributing at a very local level, we have a four-person combat support element currently assigned to the US Air Force defence fuel installation where two people in our team have received recognition from their American counterparts for their tireless work, delivering in excess of 8 million litres of fuel in one month alone. That’s enough fuel pumped per person for 600 Super Hornet aircraft. They’re working pretty hard. The Wedgetail crew in our AEW&C aircraft also made history recently with a record 16 hour, 18 minute mission in performing their command and control right. That mission required two air-to-air refuelling activities by that aircraft to remain on station for that long.

The first rotation of people for the Air Task Group is now mostly complete with the return to Australia of about 200 Air Force personnel, after almost four months of operations. There’s also been a change in command for the Air Task Group with Air Commodore Steve Roberton having returned after a very successful command period and handing over to Air Commodore Glen Braz.

Our other operations in the Middle East region which I’ll mention briefly; HMAS Success has arrived and is now the Navy’s contribution, working with the Combined Maritime Forces and the US 7th Fleet. Success, which is a tanker, has been providing logistic support to operations of the CMF Forces, but also conducting boarding operations against counter narcotics in her own right, and the ship is doing very well.

In Afghanistan, our Operation SLIPPER is now Operation HIGHROAD with the transition from the NATO mission now to the resolute support mission. We continue to provide personnel, about 400 people, to the train, advise, and assist mission. Recently we commenced delivery of a counter improvised explosive device which was designed and developed in Australia and is now being delivered to the Afghan National Security Forces, providing a light, robust counter IED force protection capability that enables them to better protect their own personnel.

It has been a busy period for us over the last few months. Deployed Australian forces across our Middle East area, in Afghanistan, in the Middle East where we conduct our supporting operations, and into Iraq have been very successful in the activities that they’ve been performing. I am happy to take questions from you.

QUESTION:

Julie Bishop said yesterday that she fears the spread of IS into Afghanistan. Do you have any thoughts on that, whether that is a likelihood or can Australia contribute to trying to stop that?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

We have seen reporting suggesting that there are pockets of IS now starting to gain some influence. But there is a range of views. Some of the views suggest that the approach by some of the insurgency inside Afghanistan is not compatible with Daesh’s view. Much of the insurgency has always had a very local view in Afghanistan and that’s been their focus and have been less influenced by a more global jihadi campaign. So, it’s not certain yet. There are small potential pockets of it. Nothing on a large scale but we are aware of that influence and in our train and advise role and our work with the Afghan National Security Forces, that’s part of the mindset and the intelligence that we bring to their own activities.

QUESTION:

Vice Admiral there’s been – President Obama, you would have followed the announcement, is looking at a more active role for American Special Forces. Is that likely to have any impact at all on the role that we play? Are we likely to send additional personnel or would the personnel who are there change their role from restricted advisory role to something more proactive?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I’ve seen some reporting. I think that the President’s approach to his own houses was only made last night. But there is no intention, neither to my understanding on the Iraqi Government’s side, in transitioning to a more combat-oriented role by any of the Coalition forces and certainly our own focus remains very firmly in the training function from those forces that are inside Iraq, and the continuing with the air combat role for our Air Task Group outside of Iraq.

QUESTION:

President Obama I think did say he’s authorisation for American Special Forces to start actively targeting IS leadership on the ground. This is my understanding, and that’s what the reporting said. I mean does that not – that signals quite a change in what people might call creep, isn’t it?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

It depends on what it means. At the moment we are providing intelligence support like other Coalition nations where we can around the Daesh senior leadership which means that could become an eligible target for the air campaign. Our own people are involved and I’ve mentioned what we called joint terminal air controllers. So we are providing support that integrates Coalition air into the Iraqi ground offensive activities. So if he’s referring to those authorities in part which we are performing now that are enabling us to bring Coalition capabilities to assist Iraqi forces in a manner that takes our offensive capabilities from the air, and integrate it into the efforts they’re performing. So some of those tasks we are conducting now.

QUESTION:

There’s no immediate prospect of independent ground operations by Special Forces too?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Absolutely none. No.

QUESTION:

Do we have the status of forces agreement with Iraq yet?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

We have an agreement with the Iraqis that have enabled our people to go in there.

QUESTION:

So no official status of forces agreement.

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Many of you would be aware the Iraqis are sensitive to any commentary about the nature of it. What I would say to you is we are satisfied that we have the necessary protections for our people, to enable them to operate safely in Iraq.

QUESTION:

Okay, are our soldiers on diplomatic passports?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I can’t go into the details and the nature of it.

QUESTION:

It’s not an OPSEC matter surely?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

It’s not an OPSEC matter, except for the fact that the Iraqi Government has asked us not to talk about it.

QUESTION:

So, our soldiers are on diplomatic passports? Because if they weren’t, you’d say no they’re not.

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I would say I can’t reveal the nature of it, but we are satisfied with the protections we have in place.

QUESTION:

Are there any assessments being made as to whether Australia’s role in Iraq is inflaming the recruitment of foreign fighter and indeed inflaming potential lone wolf terrorists in Australia?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

There are many views and I’m sure you have seen them. Some suggesting that may be the case, others indicating that the ideology that is being exported by Daesh from Iraq and Syria is prevalent, regardless of whether countries have forces that are combating them at the moment. We have seen that ideology being exported, we’re aware that increasingly they have the ability with equipment, whether it’s explosive devices, that they are providing details on, for people to pick up and conduct attacks around the world. So I think, regardless of whether countries have forces there, that ideology and the means to enact it is being exported from Iraq.

What we’re able to do, through our contribution, is to go to the source through our air strike capabilities and to have an impact on the factories that are producing these equipment, the leadership, where it’s possible, in order to blunt their effectiveness and their ability to export it.

QUESTION:

In the short to medium term what is the likelihood of further territorial retreat by the ISIL forces?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I think the prospects are good. You may have seen General Allen was recently – made some comments that the counter offensive, which would be the move that would take the Iraqi Security Forces back up towards Mosul, would start within weeks. Now I think what that means is that they’re preparing for the operations that would support it rather than potentially a large force starting to move in the highway between Baghdad and Mosul. But we expect increasingly the momentum shift that we have seen and there are areas where it goes both ways but the general momentum is that the territory under control of Daesh is reducing.

QUESTION:

Are you aware of any other Australian or ISIS fighters that have been killed by Australian air strikes?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Not that I am not aware of, no.

QUESTION:

There was legislation passed last year about ASIS providing intelligence to the ADF in supportive military operations. Has that specifically without going to into the operational detail, has that specifically helped you target operations since that’s passed?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

It’s worth just explaining the nature of targeting operations. So we contribute our aircraft into a pool effect and all information from all sources from each of the international contributors from what is produced by the Iraqis themselves is consolidated from which a prioritised targeting list is developed. And we then apply our effort down that list with other Coalition nations. So we don’t so much contribute intelligence for our own aircraft to be conducting strikes it’s a more joined up effect of that and we contribute aircraft to the broader effect that’s being generated on a priority basis.

QUESTION:

Would you know how many people roughly have been killed by the Australian forces since the start of operations?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I couldn’t give you a precise figure it but we have certainly our strike operations have resulted in the deaths of Daesh fighters but that metric of the number of people we killed is not one that we think has particular value to it. I think monitoring the territory and the effectiveness of Daesh is an important measure of how well they are performing or the work of the Iraqi Security Forces are performing but the metric of the number of fighters killed by ourselves or for that matter by the Coalition is not a measure of success that we…

QUESTION:

[Indistinct]… the metric on the number of the leadership killed would be of great deal of interest to the military. You have suggested that 10 per cent of the air strikes carried out by the Australians were aimed at Daesh leadership. What do you know about the success of those strikes and whether they have killed key Daesh figures?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

The Coalition air has been successful in killing a number of significant Daesh leadership group but equally and that is important because it causes a loss of momentum and a disruption in their own command and control but they are adept at reorganising and reallocating responsibility. So it does blunt them, it is important but it is not terminal in terms of their effectiveness.

QUESTION:

What about specifically the Australian strikes – the 10 per cent of Australian strikes you referred to that were targeted against Daesh leadership? Do you know whether they were successful and how do you know and how successful were they?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Our ability to measure precisely the impact of it is limited because we don’t have people on the ground who can gather evidence of that nature. While our strikes have involved some of the leadership capability, to my knowledge it is not the most significant leadership group out of Daesh but it’s been more at the mid-tier level.

QUESTION:

Are you aware of any civilian deaths?

QUESTION:

Can you give us an indication of whether it’s tens, hundreds, thousands of Australian strikes?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

No, I can’t it’s certainly more than the tens. It would be – and I’d be somewhere over the full range of strikes we have been conducted since October I would expect it’s probably in the hundreds.

QUESTION:

Are you aware of any civilian deaths from Australian air strikes?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

No, we’re not. We remain very careful there. We brief in part before our targeting processes are very calibrated right from the planning through to the execution by the aircraft and very pleasingly we have worked very hard at it and been very successful at it.

QUESTION:

As you’re aware the Canadians have indicated their assisting the Peshmerga in the north. Are we doing the same thing?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Assisting the Peshmerga? No our efforts are around the Iraqi Security Forces themselves.

QUESTION:

You’ve indicated that we are serving and as opposed to the air force the on the ground assistance has been based and I would say Area 4 in the international airport compound and you said – sorry – have we been outside Iraqi bases with the Iraqi military?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

We have operating outside of Baghdad from an Iraqi base.

QUESTION:

In the Iraqi base.

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Yes.

QUESTION:

So effectively our role is training?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

It is, yes.

QUESTION:

Did you say whether that’s in [indistinct]?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I can’t say that. Only because I don’t want to reveal. There are a number of training sites that have been established. There’s not that many of them but you could draw conclusions pretty quickly.

QUESTION:

So have we, Vice Admiral, been operating outside the wire at all?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

We have not been operating outside the wire, no.

QUESTION:

[Indistinct] You mentioned earlier that there had been a reduction in the number of experienced IS Daesh fighters. Can you give us a little more texture on what that has actually done to the nature of the campaign and, if Iraqi troops are now consolidating in the area around Mosul, how would you see that campaign actually working out? Well there is obviously a very large civilian operation there, so air power would be – would have limited effect. Would we continue to use air power to isolate the city, perhaps? Is that effective?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

It would I think – Mosul will be a very difficult campaign, partly because Daesh have had a long time to prepare for it. They know it’s an objective of the Iraqi Security Forces. The nature of contribution by air is likely to be in isolating it so it can’t be resupplied, you can’t get ammunition, equipment, further fighters in there so the air campaign will contribute that but in the end it will have to be won on the ground and that will be a slow and complex process to achieve.

QUESTION:

Is it achievable?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

It is achievable. I think that there will be a number of elements to it, potentially from inside Mosul as much as outside Mosul and how that may come together but it won’t be an easy win.

QUESTION:

[Indistinct] What is the current estimate on a timeframe for a ground offensive against Mosul?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

It is not clear. I think partly because it is not just the development of Iraqi Security Forces’ military capability. We’ve learnt from long experience that if you are to be successful once you recapture a town or an area you have to be able to hold it. You need to be able to bring all the government services to that. So in bringing together the effect that would enable Mosul and other areas to be secured, the military component is one but Iraq being able to provide all the supporting services is another element of it and they need to come together that will take them some time to still develop.

QUESTION:

You mentioned counter-narcotics; HMAS Success is in the area now. Is IS using drugs to finance this war and how much of a concern is that?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I am not so aware of Daesh using drugs, partly because of where they’re based but I couldn’t discount it. What we are seeing them use is, they’re continuing to smuggle particularly oil when they can. Extortion is a large part of how they will draw money from the communities that they’re with. We know they gained access to significant money when they capture ISIL and some of the territory that they have. But that’s why starting to choke their ability to continue to finance them is important and where the various efforts by the global community in constraining their ability. Whether it’s from targeting – as we have done- targeting some of the mobile oil generation capabilities to stopping the flow of finances and money, all of it contributes to the outcome we need.

QUESTION:

What about the weaponry? Where are they getting the weapons and how can that be cut off?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Movement either from Syria into Iraq but equally when they have captured previously Iraqi army bases they have taken the weapons that are available to them there.

QUESTION:

Thanks very much for this. It’s not the military’s fault that we’ve got Canadian outside the wire assisting with Special Forces and actually in combat there. We have got American troops outside the wire. Why aren’t our troops actually outside embedded with ISOF, the Iraqi Special Operations Forces?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I am not sure so much that I would characterise them outside the wire. In terms of you refer to the Canadians which acted in self-defence. We could find ourselves very much in the same circumstance. So we are operating from Iraqi bases, similar in part to the other advise and assist. If those bases come under attack as they had in those circumstances, we have the right to defend ourselves. The nature of the actions by both the Americans and the Canadians is in a self-defence capability from the locations in which they’ve been working.

QUESTION:

But they’re actually outside the Iraqi bases. They’re embedded with the Iraqi forces whereas our troops aren’t. Why – It’s I presume a political issue that our politicians haven’t been able to engage with the Iraqi military.

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Nick, I don’t think that’s accurate. So the Canadians are working in the north with the Peshmerga, the expectations with the Kurdish forces are very different to the view that the Iraqi Security Forces have about where Coalition forces would operate so the circumstances are quite different between the two.

QUESTION:

Can you give a timeframe on when Daesh might be thrown out of Iraq? Are you talking years, are you talking, what sort of time are you talking?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

That is a difficult question obviously to answer. But there’s a number of experts starting to comment, particularly on the US side, that it’s years is the timeframe in order to achieve the outcomes, not only what needs to be achieved is regaining the sovereignty of Iraq over its territory but also in securing its borders, that is a significant task.

QUESTION:

Vice Admiral, you don’t disagree with their assessment that we are looking at years?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I think that to achieve it there’s two separate questions in part there. To achieve the outcome is likely to be years. The length of the Australian contribution to it, well that’s a question for government.

QUESTION:

But you did I mean yourself say that a win on the ground in Mosul will be slow and complex to achieve. Fair to say you don’t see any end in sight to Australia’s mission there at this stage?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

That is a government decision. So there will be decision points for us on how long we may continue to contribute, how long the Iraqi Security Forces need us in the capacity that we have, those decisions will be made by government in time.

QUESTION:

Vice Admiral, you mentioned the number of air strikes that Australia has carried out. In terms of the proportion of air activity, where does that put us? Are we close to the Americans are they doing most of it or..?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

The Americans are working of course both in Syria and Iraq. Our operations by air are limited to Iraq. But we are about on par in terms of the number of strike aircraft compared to the strike missions performed. We are about on par with most of the nations that have got air capabilities there. What I would add is that because of the capabilities of our aircraft we are often the platform of choice for some of the more complex activities, particularly where there is a higher risk envelope associated with them, our aircraft and air crews are very capable in those environments so at times we get some of the more complex activities because of our ability to deal well with those circumstances.

QUESTION:

I’m going to just clarify, sorry, what you were saying before about Special Forces and targeting ISIL leadership. Is it not your understanding that President Obama’s authorisation referring to US Special Forces independently targeting the ISIL leadership?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I haven’t seen what he’s announced. But if I can talk to our Special Forces we are not independently targeting ISIL leadership.

QUESTION:

Based on everything you know and quite apart from what happened last night, do you have an understanding either way of whether the Americans are actually planning to start doing that with their Special Forces?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Everything that I have seen indicates that the Americans will not be performing a combat role.

QUESTION:

Vice Admiral you mentioned some of the more complex operations are coming our way. Is that because we have a fairly comprehensive self- contained group with the basically the control aircraft refuelling and the Super Hornets? And could you give us again a little more texture just an idea of what sort of operations might be coming our way that are considered complex?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

It is in part because we are very integrated. So because we have our air-to-air refueler and the AWNC, not all of which may operate in the same location or be airborne at the same time. So our flexibility is greater than that. But the training levels in our aircraft particularly mean in those circumstances where there may be an area where there’s a risk of civilian casualties, our ability to target accurately to bring the full effects together right from the planning activities we perform in a mission preparation through to the capability of the aircraft means that in some of the more difficult circumstances, both at night and in the location where some of the targets are, but we are a very good choice for those operations.

QUESTION:

[Indistinct question].

DAVID JOHNSTON:

We are very accurate. The Coalition air has some fantastic nations with a lot of capabilities in it. But we have proved to be very good and we continue to be used often in those circumstances

QUESTION:

[Indistinct] the hit rate was something like 100 per cent at one point. Is it still that high?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

We have been – no civilian casualties to our knowledge, our proportion of our ability to strike the targets that are allocated to us is very good. There’s rarely 100 per cent in anything but we have been very satisfied with the performance both of the full aircraft system and of course that is from weapons all the way through to targeting capabilities in the aircraft it has performed very well.

QUESTION:

Just in regards to the first rotation has nearly finished at 200. Just to clarify, does that mean there is another rotation of 200. Is that the same figure, that’s the second rotation, it’s now back [indistinct]…?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Yes. So we’re maintaining the status quo in terms of numbers there.

QUESTION:

[Indistinct] in previous briefings you’ve talked about specific targets that have been hit by Aussie air strikes. Over December and January, were there any of particular note that were destroyed?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

None that I think in the past I talked about particularly, where we had led some Coalition operations. Some of that work around Baji had been particularly important and we’ve continued to conduct air strike activity there and in the Western Anbar province. I don’t – there are none that stand out to me as being particularly noteworthy, but at the next operational briefing, I’ll be happy – we might do a roll up of some of those activities, and we can present some vignettes to you that might give you a little more colour around the types of activities that we’ve been performing.

QUESTION:

[Indistinct] around Mount Sinjar?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

They have had them through, but up north of Mosul in through the Sinjar area. So we have operated well to the north and well out to the west.

QUESTION:

But no hope for a Syria trip in your…?

QUESTION:

In your introduction, sorry, you I think you gave the figures of 8000 killed in operations of the ISIL fighters and currently an estimate of 20,000 to 31,500. That’s across Iraq and Syria?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Yes, correct.

QUESTION:

And do they have more or fewer fighters now, do you believe, than when this campaign started?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

That’s really difficult to judge, partly because the ability to track the movements into both Syria and Iraq is not quite quantifiable, but what I think is important is that by continuing to lose experienced fighters, while they may have new fighters coming in, they don’t have the experience or the background that those who have been fighting both in Syria for many years and in Iraq have. So what you see is a diminution of capability. While the numbers may remain about what they are, the experience levels continue to drop and their effectiveness drops with that. That makes them more vulnerable.

QUESTION:

Would you colloquialise that as they are losing and we are winning?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Not yet. So I – it’s an important element that continues to diminish them, but I wouldn’t use that as a measure to say that the momentum has changed on its own right based on that.

QUESTION:

Are the number of foreign fighters dropping? Has there been a successful co-operation across the world to stop qualified foreign fighters getting into these areas?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I don’t think we know yet. The numbers of foreign fighters moving in do appear to be continuing. Reports that that’s levelled out or there may be additional foreign fighters coming in there, that – it isn’t clear just how many foreign fighters continue to move, mainly because tracking people through the border regions is, as I said, very difficult to the form.

QUESTION:

Are the capabilities that our military working dogs and the units that support them have unique in any way or are they fairly shared among Coalition partners?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

They are shared. We have been very successful with our use of military working dogs in the past, our training of them is very good, so their ability to apply a non-lethal capability – but particularly important, to find improvised explosive devices – has saved our lives in the past, and the work that we are doing will help us save Iraqi Security Force lives as well.

QUESTION:

And what are you seeing in trends with the use of IEDs? I mean, you mentioned them very briefly, but what have you seen in the last month or two in terms of trend?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Increasing use of them. So that’s – because of the switch, in part because Daesh isn’t able to amass force. Its freedom of movement is restricted now, so it is moving to what we would call that asymmetric approach to its operations, and increasingly, the use of improvised explosive devices is part of that. They do have the ability to generate significant quantities of IEDs in factories, we believe, in Syria and potentially some in Iraq as well. So they’re turning to that in the absence of other options in order to try to slow the momentum shift to the Iraqi Security Forces.

QUESTION:

And what does that mean for the risk that our soldiers are facing, along with the increasing use of suicide bombers that you mentioned? What is that risk for [indistinct]…?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

For Australians? Because we’re inside the wire, the risks are quite manageable for us. Now, we’ve made sure our people are well prepared for coping with an IED – IEDs in the areas that we’re operating, but it’s quite fundamentally different, particularly to our operations in Iraq, where the potential for us – sorry, in Afghanistan, where our potential – as we had multiple IED strikes from our soldiers there. The fundamental nature of this mission is different because we’re stay… we – well, where we are operating.

QUESTION:

What about as the ground offensive begins? And General Allen was talking about within weeks. Do you expect our people to start going out beyond the wire when that begins, and what will that mean for the risks that they face, particularly in terms of things like IEDs?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

The answer is possibly, though we have consistently said that our advise and assist mission to the Counter-Terrorism Service is at the battalion headquarters level. If the battalion headquarters moves, then our advisers may move with them. So, that is an area where we watch and manage the risk very carefully. We make sure we’ve got the equipment that we need if we have to move. There’s partly an assumption there that we’d move by ground; that may not be the case. If we move as a rotary wing move then we can manage a number of those risks. So, we’re very aware of it, we’ve got the equipment to be able to manage it and it’s a very key part of our operational planning.

QUESTION:

As you’re aware, ISOF have actually moved, they’ve moved from – one of their brigades has moved from Anbar across to the west, northwest of Baghdad. Our troops obviously, because they’re inside the wire, they didn’t move at that time, did they?

Just returning to the IED, suicide bombers. What sort of an impact is that having on the ground? Is it proving effective, or not really?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Like in all operational areas, IEDs do have a corrosive impact, particularly on confidence. So that’s why the work that we’re doing – I mentioned that one of our tasks has been the explosive hazards awareness training, building the military working capability. It is important that the Iraqi ground forces can counter IEDs. They have been very successful in doing that and I mentioned the push back in to the Baiji oil refinery was about overcoming IEDs as they made that approach in. So everything that we’re doing is helping to build that confidence that they can go out and be successful on the ground. But it is a key part of the training we’re delivering.

QUESTION:

You may not be able to answer this, but has any action so far, is it likely to see bravery medals or commendations for any of the defence forces that have been over there?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Often – I can’t answer that precisely, but the general answer is, often the circumstances that we do that are where we’re conducting combat operations. We are not conducting combat operations.

QUESTION:

You mentioned that the Wedgetail had created history with that flight. What was the previous record and what was the significance of that length?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I’d have to turn to my Air Force colleagues and I’m sure we can get that, but as you’re aware, that aircraft is based on a civilian air frame and when I talk about the time in-flight, it’s the longest ever for that air frame. In one of the special capabilities that the E-7 has is the air-to-air refuelling. The circumstances of that particular mission was that some of the other airborne early warning capabilities that were meant to perform a mission directly after it became unavailable. Our aircraft got asked to extend, we were able to manage that refuelling activity to give it the endurance and it performed a pretty extraordinary role over a very long period.

QUESTION:

That was a Project of Concern, was it not? The Wedgetail? There were serious issues getting it ready.

DAVID JOHNSTON:

[Indistinct]

QUESTION:

During the purchase of the aircraft, radars and things like that. Are they all – is this a total vindication of the aircraft and the work that’s been done on that?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

The E-7 aircraft is increasingly the AW of choice in the operational environment because of its reliability, because of the systems that it has and it’s clearly a very modern aircraft. It is performing outstandingly well.

QUESTION:

Well is it – you could have hoped for?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Yes. And remembering that this is a capability that’s largely still entering into service in the ADF, so we’ve taken a capability that was still going through its full integration with the ADF capabilities and deployed it overseas where it has performed above expectations.

QUESTION:

The KC-30, Vice Admiral, that is – our KC-30, I gather, is almost unique in the world. What has Iraq taught us about whether our brand of air-to-air refuelling is working?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I think the best way I can answer that is – and the aircraft has been very successful at refuelling our own aircraft. Increasingly, we’re seeing other nations seek to be able to use that platform as well. Some of the reasons for that is, one of the particular capabilities of the KC-30 as we have outfitted it is its radio capability. Unlike other air-to-air refuellers, there are a number of radios that are available in the KC-30 that enable it to monitor the conduct of the ground operation. What that enables the crew to do is to move to where a particular ground offensive is occurring and where, through their other radios, they can see the air effect being applied.

So they can move over top of a particular activity, which means that strike aircraft need to either come off a target to refuel, instead of transiting 30 minutes back to a normal tanking corridor, they’re finding that they’ve got a tanking aircraft sitting directly above them. So it’s that battlespace integration, not just the capability of the aircraft to transfer fuel, it’s actually the way it fuses its information to understand in a very dynamic sense what’s happening on the battlefield and what’s happening with the air fight that’s being organised into a strike activity, that it places itself where it needs to go in order to be able to provide fuel on queue.

And there’s at least one occasion, with our own aircraft, where we had a circumstance where a target was going to present itself for a narrow period of time, the air crew were concerned that they may not have enough fuel to be able to grab that strike window and return. The KC-30 moved and was listening to the fight, moved to where it needed to be to support the aircraft and the aircraft were able to achieve the strike window and refuel.

UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER:

I think we might just wrap it up there, if there are no more pressing questions.

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Thank you, have a good afternoon.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/12/press-conference-with-chief-of-joint-operations-vice-admiral-david-johnston-who-gives-an-update-of-australian-operations-in-iraq/feed/Australian Special Operations Task Group work in Iraqhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/12/australian-special-operations-task-group-work-in-iraq/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/12/australian-special-operations-task-group-work-in-iraq/#commentsThu, 12 Feb 2015 00:08:06 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7537Australia’s Special Operations Task Group is strengthening the capabilities of the Iraqi Security Force counter-terrorism through its Advise and Assist mission in Iraq.

The Task Group is responsible for advising and assisting three battalions of the Iraqi Security Forces’ Special Tactics Unit, an elite force drawn from Iraq’s Counter Terrorism Service.

Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral David Johnston said the SOTG had assigned a 2nd Commando Regiment Military Working Dog handler, Sergeant H, to the STU K-9 Program Cell.

“The Iraqis are strengthening their working dog capability and for good reason. It’s a well-known fact Military Working Dogs are very effective at locating enemy IEDs (improvised explosive devices) outside-the-wire,” VADM Johnston said.

The Australian Special Forces contingent is providing training inside-the-wire for the Iraqi military working-dog training program.

Deputy Commander of the 1st Iraqi Special Operations Forces Brigade Brigadier General Hussein said Australia’s support was appreciated.

“The specialist capabilities we are learning, like the explosive detection dog capability, is unique to us. The K-9 capability is great for morale and when trained, the dogs will save soldiers’ and innocent civilian’s lives,” BRIG General Hussein said.

“Without Australian and American support, we would not have the capability to the level it is now at.”

Since December 2014, SOTG’s Sergeant H has increased the STU K-9 Program capability several fold and a designated ‘Kennel Master’ now oversees the duties of all the Iraqi dog-handlers.

“The cell has also begun a puppy breeding program to ensure the development of the capability and to best guarantee its future,” Sergeant H said.

The STU K-9 Program Cell now includes an enclosed exercise yard for ‘off-leash’ training, confined-space training structures and a swim training tank.

Operation OKRA is the ADF’s contribution to the international effort to combat the Daesh terrorist threat in Iraq.

Australia’s contribution is being closely coordinated with the Iraqi Government, Gulf nations and a broad coalition of international partners.

Activities undertaken by SOTG are sanctioned by the Government of Iraq.

The awards, announced overnight in Canberra, are designed to recognise acquisition and sustainment teams from across the DMO and industry.

“This year’s awards focus on safety and the support that is provided to ensure the ADF is ready for its operational tasks,” Mr Dunstall said.

“The successful teams have proven their outstanding project management capabilities, and equally important attributes like attention to detail and collaboration.

“The major awards honour the legacy of Essington Lewis – a man who shared, with each of these successful teams, a commitment to a more capable Australian Defence Force.”
The 2015 ADM Award winners are:

Essington Lewis Trophy – Small to Medium Enterprise – CAE Australia and the Training Aircraft Systems Program Office (DMO) for the delivery of state-of-the-art KA350 Simulator facilities under an innovative contracting solution

Major Sustainment Activity – Airbus Group Australia and Air Lift Systems Program Office (DMO) for significant increases in C-130J Hercules availability through optimisation modelling

Minor Sustainment Activity – QinetiQ and Jacobs Australia with the Tactical Fighter Systems Program Office (DMO) for the conduct and implementation of a Classic Hornet Ageing Aircraft Systems Audit

The final award of the evening went to Tamara Perry, an Acoustics Engineer with Thales Underwater Systems, who was named the Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN) Young Achiever Award for 2015.

Mr Dunstall said the ADM Awards provided recognition for the hard work of Defence and industry teams.

“I want to congratulate the winners and finalists,” Mr Dunstall said.

“Working together, often away from the limelight, they have achieved great success in enhancing the safety and quality of the equipment on which the women and men of the Australian Defence Force rely,” Mr Dunstall said.

ADM Awards for Excellence 2015 citations:

Essington Lewis Trophy – Prime

Winner: CN13 HMAS Success SustainmentThales Australia and KBR and the Amphibious and Afloat Support Systems Program Office

Under this program, both industry and the DMO were able to work together to improve HMAS Success’s availability for Navy tasking. The successful collaborative nature of the program between all parties has seen an excellent outcome for the RAN to the point where the ship is now winning further performance awards and being deployed into the Middle East.

Both CAE Australia and the Training Aircraft Systems Program Office have worked together to introduce an innovative contracting solution to the RAAF’s training needs. Under a contractor-owned contractor-operated (CoCo) model, Defence is able to pay a monthly service fee for training at a state of the art KA350 simulator facility. The timeliness and budgetary savings of the approach are noteworthy as is the work done by both parties in addressing the requirement.

Major Sustainment Activity Certificate

Winner: C-130J Hercules AvailabilityAirbus Group Australia and Air Lift Systems Program Office

Both Airbus Group and the Air Lift Systems Program Office have worked hard to achieve the goals set out in the updated Planned Servicing Schedule Review, which has led to a significant increase in platform availability for the C-130J. The use of optimisation modelling for sustainment has seen a complete rethink of maintenance processes from both parties and an excellent outcome for the RAAF.

Given that the Classic Hornet Fleet will be age 36 when it retires, the work done by this team to completely audit the systems aboard the fleet was significant. The three-year audit process saw over 600 recommendations generated with 85 per cent adopted with the remainder to be actioned by the end of the year. The teams worked together to perform the audit with the least amount of damage to the aircraft while maximising availability during the process.

The Australian Army’s 13th Brigade has established temporary accommodation for fire-fighters and potential evacuees from areas threatened by the fires currently burning in the state’s south west.

A convoy of 10 trucks carrying around 40 soldiers and camp stores travelled to Manjimup today where 13th Brigade established a temporary camp with tents, camp stretchers, tables, chairs and lighting to support up to 200 people.

The 13th Brigade has sufficient camp stores and is ready to establish an additional 200 bed camp at a second location if required.

While the Army was establishing accommodation with some help from their Navy colleagues, a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-17A Globemaster delivered around 40 tonnes of chemical fire retardant from RAAF Base Richmond near Sydney to RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia where the Air Force is providing parking, fuel and water support to civilian fire fighting aircraft.

The ADF support in Western Australia is provided through the Defence Assistance to the Civil Community program which allows States or Territories to make a request through the Commonwealth for ADF assistance in response to natural disasters or emergencies.

Video of the C-17A departing RAAF Richmond has been fed to the Parliamentary Press Gallery.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/06/adf-assists-fire-fighting-efforts-in-western-australia/feed/Army partners with NSW Opportunity Hubs to offer greater opportunities for Indigenous school leavershttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/04/army-partners-with-nsw-opportunity-hubs-to-offer-greater-opportunities-for-indigenous-school-leavers/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/02/04/army-partners-with-nsw-opportunity-hubs-to-offer-greater-opportunities-for-indigenous-school-leavers/#commentsTue, 03 Feb 2015 22:45:03 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7520The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO, yesterday signed a Partnership Memorandum with the Secretary of the NSW Department of Education and Communities, Dr Michele Bruniges, AM, setting the stage for greater cooperation between the two organisations.

The Memorandum outlines the strategic partnership between the Australian Army and NSW Opportunity Hubs, a key initiative under OCHRE: the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Affairs Plan.

Speaking in Campbelltown, Lieutenant General Morrison said the Partnership Memorandum recognised a common interest in developing employment pathways and opportunities for young Indigenous Australians.

“It is a privilege to sign this Memorandum on behalf of the Australian Army and to be the first national employer to partner state wide with the NSW Opportunity Hubs,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.

“This Memorandum demonstrates that Army is committed to providing rewarding and fulfilling career opportunities for Indigenous school leavers.”

“Today marks an important step towards our shared commitment and opens the door to further collaboration with the Opportunity Hubs in the future.”

NSW Opportunity Hubs build partnerships between schools, employers, education and training providers and the local community to provide education and employment opportunities for individual students.

Under the Partnership Memorandum, Army will provide guidance and support to identified students aspiring to an Army career, as well as pre-recruitment training and experiential learning opportunities.

Lieutenant General Morrison said that the Memorandum would benefit students, who would receive greater access to information on a career in Army as well as recruitment requirements.

“One of the key components of our Memorandum is recognising the importance of engaging with students early on,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.

“Army already has specialist Indigenous Recruiting Officers located around the country who regularly provide students with information on opportunities to serve with the Australian Army.”

“By collaborating with organisations such as the NSW Opportunity Hubs, Army will be able to provide greater advice and support to students so they can make an informed decision about a career in the Australian Army.”

Vice Admiral Barrett said the passage around the southernmost tip of South America remained one of the most challenging nautical routes on the planet, and was a significant achievement for the crew of Young Endeavour.

“Young Endeavour’s Navy crew are specially trained and the alumni crew were selected for their experience sailing the brigantine previously.

“This Australia Day weekend marked 27 years since Young Endeavour was gifted to Australia and began delivering youth development voyages. This is the first time the vessel has rounded Cape Horn, and her safe passage is a credit to the crew on board”.

The passage around Cape Horn’s notorious waters went without incident and the rare relative calm allowed the crew to celebrate Australia Day in appropriate beach attire.

Young Endeavour set sail from Sydney on 22 December 2014. The 24 alumni youth on board are the first of eight youth crews who will join the ship during the 12-month circumnavigation. They will complete their 55-day voyage at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Young Endeavour is the bicentennial gift given to Australia by the United Kingdom. During the world voyage Young Endeavour will sail to Europe, Africa and the Americas, visiting 16 countries and representing Australia at the 2015 International Tall Ship Races.

For more information about the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme and to apply for voyages aboard STS Young Endeavour, visit www.youngendeavour.gov.au

Media note:Commanding Officer STS Young Endeavour, Lieutenant Commander Gav Dawe, will be available for pre-recorded interviews.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/01/27/navy-tall-ship-sts-young-endeavour-rounds-cape-horn/feed/Air Force first for Exercise RED FLAG at Nellishttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/01/26/air-force-first-for-exercise-red-flag-at-nellis/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/01/26/air-force-first-for-exercise-red-flag-at-nellis/#commentsSun, 25 Jan 2015 22:48:09 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7478The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is preparing to participate in Exercise Red Flag, which commences tomorrow in the United States.

Two C-130J Hercules from RAAF Base Richmond (NSW), an AP-3C Orion from RAAF Base Edinburgh (SA) and an Air Battle Management contingent from 41 Wing are participating in the exercise, alongside combat aircraft from the United States and the United Kingdom. This is the first time Air Force’s C-130J Hercules and AP-3C Orion have participated in Exercise Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base.

Air Commander Australia, Air Vice-Marshal Gavin Turnbull said RAAF personnel would be exposed to one of the world’s most advanced airborne training exercises.

“There are few training environments in the world that recreate the dangers of a modern battlespace like Exercise Red Flag,” Air Vice-Marshal Turnbull said.

“Day-time and night-time missions at Red Flag will require large numbers of aircraft to work together across a variety of roles to defeat threats. The dangers they face range from aggressor F-15 and F-16 fighters and simulated missile shots, through to electronic warfare and cyberspace attacks.

“This is essential to our people maintaining their skills in conducting airborne operations, and ensuring the RAAF’s ability to synchronise its efforts with allied partners.”

Wing Commander Darren Goldie, Detachment Commander for the C-130J Hercules at Exercise Red Flag, said the exercise would be a career highlight for many.

“For air mobility crews, this is one of the best exercises to train and test ourselves against the pressures witnessed on real-world operations,” Wing Commander Goldie said.

“At Exercise Red Flag, we’ll be flying on flying tactical air mobility missions into a hotly contested airspace. This demands cooperation between crew members, and cooperation with ‘friendly’ aircraft, to achieve the mission and get home unscathed.”

From RAAF Base Edinburgh’s Number 10 Squadron, Wing Commander Jason Begley will lead the AP-3C Orion Detachment in conducting overland surveillance in the exercise area.

“The Orion will help build ‘the big picture’ of what’s happening on the ground and in the air within the exercise area at Exercise Red Flag,” Wing Commander Begley said.

“We’re coming to this exercise with considerable experience in this role, especially from Operation Slipper over Afghanistan, where we regularly provided support to Diggers on the ground. The scale and complexity of Exercise Red Flag makes it quite unique however, so we stand to gain a lot of experience in working with partners,” Wing Commander Begley said.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/01/26/air-force-first-for-exercise-red-flag-at-nellis/feed/First Australian pilot to undertake F-35A Lightning II traininghttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/01/25/first-australian-pilot-to-undertake-f-35a-lightning-ii-training/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/01/25/first-australian-pilot-to-undertake-f-35a-lightning-ii-training/#commentsSat, 24 Jan 2015 22:31:28 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7476The introduction of Australia’s 72 F-35A Lightning II aircraft into RAAF service is about to move a step closer tomorrow when the first Australian pilot commences training.
Squadron Leader Andrew Jackson, Australia’s first F-35A pilot, will commence training for his first F-35A flight tomorrow at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, United States.

“The F-35A will be Australia’s first fifth-generation aircraft and will provide the RAAF with a leading air combat capability. I’m excited to be given the opportunity to take a leading role in its introduction,” SQNLDR Jackson said.

SQNLDR Jackson will undergo an intensive training program before he takes his first flight in the coming months.

“The fifth generation F-35A capabilities represent a quantum shift over legacy fighters. I am looking forward to the training challenge it will present.

“This aircraft will give fighter pilots a level of situational awareness that far exceeds legacy platforms. Experiencing this level of capability first hand is something every pilot dreams of,” he said.

SQNLDR Jackson will have an important future role as an Instructor Pilot for Australian and international F-35A pilots, and was selected for his operational flying skills, extensive experience and leadership.

“It will be a great honour to work and train alongside the United States and other international Air Force pilots,” SQNLDR Jackson said.

The second Australian F-35A pilot, SQNLDR David Bell, will begin his training in mid-2015. SQNLDR Bell is a qualified Test Pilot.

The F-35A (commonly known as the Joint Strike Fighter) will meet Australia’s future air combat and strike needs, providing a networked force-multiplier effect in terms of situational awareness and combat effectiveness.

The F-35A’s combination of stealth, advanced sensors, networking and data fusion capabilities, when integrated with other defence systems, will enable the RAAF to maintain an air combat edge.

The first F-35A aircraft will arrive in Australia at the end of 2018 with the first operational squadron to be established by 2020. The F-35A will replace the aging F/A-18A/B Hornets at RAAF Bases Williamtown (NSW) and Tindal (NT).

Media note:
Media are invited to register interview requests at mediaops@defence.gov.au, however due to the intense training program Squadron Leader Jackson will not be available to conduct media interviews until the completion of his training.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Chiefs of Defence meeting focussed on the international community’s ongoing assistance in Afghanistan.

“While there is significant global attention on current operations in Iraq, our mission in Afghanistan has changed, not ended. Australia and our international partners have not forgotten the people of Afghanistan.

“The Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) is a confident and capable force which demonstrated its ability to maintain Afghanistan’s security during the historic 2014 Presidential election. Our job is to keep working with them to continue to build and maintain a sustainable security force for the future,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

Around 400 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel are currently deployed in Afghanistan under Operation HIGHROAD – Australia’s contribution to the NATO Resolute Support Mission which began on 1 January 2015.

ADF trainers and mentors are providing advice to further develop the ANSF’s future leadership. ADF personnel are currently working with the Afghan National Army Officer Academy in Kabul, leading the 205th Corps Coalition Advisory Team in Kandahar and a small number of Special Forces personnel are working in the Headquarters General Command of Police Special Units in Kabul.

Additional personnel operating in force protection, medical and intelligence roles as well as embedded personnel in headquarters mean Australia remains one of the largest non-NATO contributors in Afghanistan.

“Despite the end of combat operations, ADF personnel are still exposed to danger in this ongoing mission to support our Afghan partners as they continue to build their capacity and capability for Afghanistan’s long term security.”

Air Chief Marshal Binskin also used the meeting with NATO partner nations to discuss potential opportunities for practical engagement through exercises, strategic dialogue and bilateral exchanges as part of Australia’s Enhanced Partnership status with NATO which was announced at the NATO Summit in Wales in September 2014.

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/01/22/chief-of-the-defence-force-reaffirms-australias-commitment-to-afghanistan/feed/Colin Radford appointed Chair of the Defence Reserves Support Council Victoriahttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/01/07/colin-radford-appointed-chair-of-the-defence-reserves-support-council-victoria/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/01/07/colin-radford-appointed-chair-of-the-defence-reserves-support-council-victoria/#commentsWed, 07 Jan 2015 00:30:43 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7353Defence Reserves Support Council National Chair Jack Smorgon AO, has announced the appointment of Colin Radford as Chair of the Defence Reserves Support Council Victoria.

“As my last official duty as National Chair of the DRSC, I am very pleased to announce that Mr Radford has been appointed to this position,” Mr Smorgon said.

“His experience in both the public and private sectors will enable him to make a significant contribution to the DRSC’s work in Victoria and importantly, in support of Defence Reservists. He has been a member of the DRSC Victoria Council since April 2014 and participated in Exercise Boss Lift to the Solomon Islands in November 2010, giving him a great appreciation for his new role.”

The Defence Reserves Support Council promotes the benefits of Reserve service to employers and the community. Under the leadership of the National Defence Reserves Support Council, there is a council in each State and Territory.

Council members are volunteers and include representatives from industry networks, small business, trade unions, youth and other interested community groups.

Mr Radford has strong credentials in both public service and the private sector, currently heading Deloitte’s Public Sector Practice in Victoria.

Prior to joining Deloitte, Mr Radford spent almost two decades in the Victorian Government sector where he held a number of senior roles in a variety of agencies and ministerial offices, including six years as an executive at the Victorian WorkCover Authority and the Transport Accident Commission, Advisor to three Victorian Premiers and Chief of Staff to the Minister for Finance.

Mr Radford’s appointment is for five years, effective 31 December 2014.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/01/07/colin-radford-appointed-chair-of-the-defence-reserves-support-council-victoria/feed/First Air Task Group prepares to return to Australiahttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/01/06/first-air-task-group-prepares-to-return-to-australia/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/01/06/first-air-task-group-prepares-to-return-to-australia/#commentsTue, 06 Jan 2015 01:31:56 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7314The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, has congratulated Australian Defence Force personnel engaged in the fight against terrorism, during a recent visit to the Middle East Region.

“You have played a key role in Australia’s response to the humanitarian crisis in Iraq brought about by ISIL’s brutality against the people of Iraq and Syria,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

“Your skill, professionalism and responsiveness has also greatly enhanced the ADF’s reputation among our Coalition partners.”

The visit included a stop-over with Royal Australian Air Force personnel assigned to the first Australian Air Task Group (ATG) who are approaching the end of their deployment on Operation OKRA and preparing to return to Australia.

Approximately 400 ADF personnel are deployed with the ATG operating RAAF F/A‑18F Super Hornets, E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control and the KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft.

Since October 2014, Australian and Coalition air strike operations have supported Iraqi Security Force ground operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

The ATG’s rate of effort continued to increase during December with the Super Hornets flying 75 sorties and dropping 61 precision guided weapons against ISIL targets. The KC-30A also achieved a new milestone, providing more than three million pounds (1429 tonnes) of fuel to Coalition aircraft during the month. This brings the total fuel offloaded from the single KC-30A to an impressive 3642 tonnes during this rotation.

A second deployment of RAAF personnel will continue to operate the same aircraft types over Iraq.

“You are handing over the air component in good shape for continued air strike, command and control and air to air refuelling operations into 2015,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

“I believe our ATG is the best equipped, best trained and most prepared air contingent Australia has ever sent on operations and the tireless efforts and professionalism of our people is reflected in the results.”

The Chief of the Defence Force also visited members of the Australian Special Operations Task Group currently deployed in Iraq as well as ADF personnel based in the Middle East Region on Operation ACCORDION.

“Australians can be proud of the work our service men and women are conducting in an effort to counter terrorism and promote greater security and stability around the world – I know I am” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/01/06/first-air-task-group-prepares-to-return-to-australia/feed/Bushfire threat to HMAS Cerberus abatedhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2015/01/03/bushfire-threat-to-hmas-cerberus-abated/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/01/03/bushfire-threat-to-hmas-cerberus-abated/#commentsSat, 03 Jan 2015 09:28:59 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7311Due to the threat of bushfire in the Cribb Point area of Victoria, all non-essential personnel were evacuated from HMAS Cerberus at 3:45pm Saturday, 3 January. The threat to the base has now abated and staff were permitted to return from 6.30pm.

Personnel from HMAS Cerberus are assisting the Country Fire Authority and Victorian Police in dealing with the fire and Navy will continue to monitor the situation.

The two Orions, which left RAAF Base Darwin yesterday, recovered into Royal Malaysian Air Force Base Butterworth following their search flights. However, Indonesian authorities have advised that ADF assistance is no longer required.

The ADF will continue to maintain two liaison officers at Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) and the Australian Defence Force stands ready to provide further assistance.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victims at this difficult time.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations: (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/31/adf-maritime-patrol-aircraft-to-return/feed/Australia supports new mission in Afghanistanhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/31/australia-supports-new-mission-in-afghanistan/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/31/australia-supports-new-mission-in-afghanistan/#commentsTue, 30 Dec 2014 20:20:56 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7302Australian Defence Force operations in Afghanistan will enter a significant phase in the New Year. January 1st marks the start of Operation HIGHROAD, Australia’s new train, advise and assist mission.

The change marks the end of Operation SLIPPER, which has been Australia’s commitment to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan for the past 13 years.

The new operation is in line with the NATO-led mission transitioning from a combat role to Operation RESOLUTE SUPPORT; a train, advise, assist mission. Importantly, the transition also recognises that the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) have now taken the lead for all combat operations.

The Commander of Australia’s Joint Task Force 636 in Afghanistan, Major General David Mulhall, said the new mission recognises the improved capacity of the ANSF, largely as a result of Australian and international support.

“Since 2001 Australia, under Operation SLIPPER, has made a substantial contribution to the international mission in Afghanistan at various levels from combat operations to training and advisory roles,” said Major General Mulhall.

“The efforts of over 26,500 men and women of the ADF who have served in Afghanistan since 2002 have made this possible.”

“As we move into this new operation, I also want to pay tribute to the 41 ADF personnel who lost their lives during Operation SLIPPER and those Australians who were wounded or became ill during this mission.”

“Our own combat role finished at the end of 2013, and since then we have been focused on train, advise, assist roles with the ANSF, and we remain strongly committed to this task as we move into Operation HIGHROAD,” Major General Mulhall said.

About 400 Australian personnel are deployed on Operation HIGHROAD, including embed positions with the NATO led mission, mentoring and advisory roles, medical, force protection and logistic support.

The Commander JTF636 also acknowledged there are still risks for Australian troops in Afghanistan.

“Our men and women continue to be exposed to danger and as such the Australian Defence Force is committed to ensuring all activities that our personnel undertake are thoroughly risk managed,” Major General Mulhall said.

The new NATO-led Operation RESOLUTE SUPPORT mission will be directed at the ministerial (defence and interior), institutional levels, and at the higher command level of the Afghan security forces.

Today’s flights follow yesterday’s mission where a single Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) AP-3C Orion aircraft launched from RAAF Base Darwin.

The two aircraft departed Darwin this morning to search two areas immediately north of Banka Island, which is located between Belitung Island and South Sumatra.

The search areas were assigned by Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) which is leading the search operation.

The two Orions are expected to land at Royal Malaysian Air Force Base Butterworth following today’s sorties to allow the RAAF aircrews to spend more time in the search area and to provide the necessary facilities to support the aircraft.

The Australian AP-3C Orion took off from Darwin this morning (Monday, 29 December, 2014)
to join the search operations.

The Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, said the ADF was ready and willing to support its Indonesian friends in the search for Air Asia flight QZ8501.

“The RAAF AP-3C Orion aircraft has a well proven capability in search and rescue and carries maritime search radar coupled with infra-red and electro-optical sensors to support the visual observation capabilities provided by its highly trained crew members,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

Australia’s ongoing contribution to the world’s stability and security encompasses operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, the broader Middle East Region and South Sudan.

Closer to home, Defence personnel continue their important contribution to protecting Australia’s borders through Operation RESOLUTE.

In Afghanistan, Operation SLIPPER’s Commander Joint Task Force 636, Major General David Mulhall, AM, CSC paid tribute to the support troops receive from Australia.

“We rely very much on the support of our families and friends at home. Our job is about transitioning into the new mission so that we can make the people of Afghanistan safe and to be able to assist with the sustainability of their institutions,” MAJGEN Mullhall said.

“We could not do our job without our families, and all the men and women here thank you very much for the support that you give us. It’s very much appreciated, and from my family to your family, have a great Christmas and New Year.”

At Australia’s main support base in the Middle East, Operation ACCORDION’s Commander Joint Task Force 633, Rear Admiral Trevor Jones, AO, CSC, RAN said regardless of people’s spiritual views, the festivities which accompany the Christmas holiday period offer all families the opportunity to gather in peace to celebrate life.

“For our personnel deployed on operations this is especially important as we think of our loved ones at home,” RADM Jones said.

“To all Australians, the men and women of Joint Task Force 633 wish each of you a very rewarding and enjoyable festive season and thank all of you for your continuing support to us as we strive to achieve our mission.”

Also in the Middle East with Operation OKRA, the Royal Australian Air Force’s Air Task Group Commander, Air Commodore Steven Roberton, said spending Christmas away from home wouldl not be easy for the women and men of the ATG..

“We are here for a reason and there is still a job to do. We are focused on the task of flying missions to help restore the security situation in Iraq, thereby easing the humanitarian crisis suffered by the Iraqi people,” AIRCDRE Roberton said.

“Although we are very aware of the precious time lost, time that could have been spent with family and friends, we have perspective on our relative situation to those other families who may never enjoy the security and freedom we enjoy at home as Australians.

“Christmas this year is a time for reflection as well as celebration. The families and the broader Australian community have every right to be extremely proud of the men and women of the ATG.”

In Iraq, Operation OKRA’s Special Operations Task Group’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel I [name withheld] said Christmas would be spent advising and assisting Iraqi partners in their fight against ISIL.

“It is a worthy and noble undertaking. While it comes at a cost to our families and loved ones, we promise to make up for it on our return to Australia. In the meantime, we will spend Christmas in the company of each other, our Iraqi brothers, and in our thoughts for our wives, husbands, partners, kids and other extended family,” LTCOL I said.

“On behalf of the soldiers and airmen of the SOTG, I wish all Australians a merry Christmas and ask them to take a little time to spare a thought for those who have unnecessarily suffered at the hands of totalitarianism and intolerance throughout the Middle East in this past 12 months.”

Media note:
At approximately 10:00am tomorrow (Friday, 26 December 2014) broadcast quality video will be fed to the Press Gallery at Parliament House. Regional television networks can obtain footage from their national affiliates.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/25/christmas-for-australias-military-personnel-on-operations/feed/HMAS Toowoomba home in time for Christmashttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/23/hmas-toowoomba-home-in-time-for-christmas/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/23/hmas-toowoomba-home-in-time-for-christmas/#commentsTue, 23 Dec 2014 07:01:35 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7290Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer, CSC, and Bar, RAN, has joined hundreds of friends and family welcoming HMAS Toowoomba home from a five month deployment in support of Operation MANITOU.

The 191-strong ship’s company has spent 142 days assigned to the operation conducting maritime security and maritime interdiction operations as part of the multi-national Combined Maritime Forces.

During an extremely successful four months on operations Toowoomba has conducted 20 flag verification boardings comprising approximately 240 hours of boarding operations, which uncovered multiple hauls of illicit narcotics.

“The dedication and professionalism of the ship’s company has been impressive. Their hard work has resulted in the seizure and destruction of 6,312 kilograms of narcotics with a street value of more than half a billion dollars,” RADM Mayer said.

“They should all be proud of their mission success and I congratulate them.”

Commanding Officer, Commander Catherine Hayes, is the first woman to command an Australian warship on operations in the Middle East Region. CMDR Hayes said the deployment had been the pinnacle of a successful 2014 for Toowoomba.

“Many will equate the success of our mission to the number of boardings we conducted, or the tonnes of illicit narcotics that we intercepted, but to me the greatest measure of our success has been the teamwork, professionalism and resilience,” CMDR Hayes said.

“A portion of our success belongs to our families and friends; those members of our team at home who have been resilient, patient and supportive and have made sacrifices to enable ‘Team Toowoomba’ do the job we do. We feel very fortunate to be able to return home in time to celebrate Christmas.”

Toowoomba’s deployment was the first under Operation MANITOU and the fifth deployed to Middle East since her commissioning in 2005. The Operation is the Australian Government’s contribution to the international effort to promote maritime security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East Region.

HMAS Success took over from Toowoomba as the Royal Australian Navy’s representative in the region on 13 December. The return of Toowoomba concludes the 58th rotation of a Royal Australian Navy ship to the region since the first Gulf War in 1990.

On several occasions the Super Hornets conducted immediate air strikes in support of the ground forces facing counter attacks.

Previously Australia has supported those stranded on Mount Sinjar with five humanitarian aid airdrops, the first occurring in August of this year.

AIRCDRE Roberton said mass killings by ISIL militants, the enslavement of the Yezidi women and children, and the worsening humanitarian disaster unfolding on Mount Sinjar have resonated across the world.

“It’s hard not to be moved by the plight of these people,” he said.

AIRCDRE Roberton said airpower had tipped the balance in the favour of Kurdish forces.

“I am incredibly proud of the contribution the women and men of Australia’s Air Task Group have made to support the campaign by the security forces on the ground.”

Australia’s E-7A Wedgetail aircraft also had a key role in providing command and control to Coalition aircraft involved in what may be an important moment in restoring security to the north of Iraq.

The Australian KC-30A tanker aircraft has also contributed, refuelling the Australian Super Hornets and other Coalition strike aircraft, allowing them to stay on-call to the Kurdish Peshmerga forces for as long as possible while they took the fight to ISIL.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/22/australian-air-strikes-support-liberation-of-mount-sinjar/feed/Air Force Spartans prepare for gloryhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/22/air-force-spartans-prepare-for-glory/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/22/air-force-spartans-prepare-for-glory/#commentsSun, 21 Dec 2014 23:43:18 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7282Royal Australian Air Force personnel have commenced training on the C-27J Spartan Battlefield Airlifter in the United States after the the first two aircraft were transferred to the Australian register.

Air Force Director General Capability Planning Air Commodore Mike Kitcher said the first Spartans were expected in Australia by mid-2015.

“A total of 10 aircraft will be delivered over the next two years, operated by No. 35 Squadron initially from RAAF Base Richmond,” AIRCDRE Kitcher said.

“The C-27J will integrate seamlessly with existing Defence transports such as Army’s CH-47 Chinooks and Air Force’s C-130J Hercules and C-17A Globemaster III.”

Commander of Air Mobility Group Air Commodore Warren McDonald said the C-27J would access airfields unsuitable for larger aircraft.

“Across the Asia Pacific region, there are numerous airfields which are too small or otherwise unsuitable for aircraft such as the C-130J,” AIRCDRE McDonald said.

“The C-27J will have the capacity to carry useful loads such as personnel or vehicles, and be capable of delivering loads on the ground or by airdrop.”

“It is a proven platform that, in service with foreign air forces, has delivered frontline airlift in theatres such as Africa, Afghanistan, and the Philippines.”

On 8 December 2014, the first four technicians from No. 35 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond commenced their training at Waco, Texas. The first 12 aircrew, comprising pilots and loadmasters from No. 35 Squadron, will commence their training in January 2015.

On 15 December 2014, Spartan A34-001 conducted a training flight for the first time under the Australian Flag in Waco, Texas. This training flight carried instructors from L-3 Communications, who will provide training to RAAF personnel on the Spartan.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/22/air-force-spartans-prepare-for-glory/feed/Australian operations in Iraq continue to press ISILhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/20/australian-operations-in-iraq-continue-to-press-isil/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/20/australian-operations-in-iraq-continue-to-press-isil/#commentsFri, 19 Dec 2014 23:30:39 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7277Since air operations commenced against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the militants operating in Iraq have been targeted by more than 500 coalition air strike missions including more than 180 sorties by Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornets.

Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral David Johnston said the Australian Air Task Group (ATG) remained a key contributor to coalition air operations in support of Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Kurdish Peshmerga operations across northern and western Iraq including the cities of Bayji, Mosul, Kirkuk, Ramadi and Sinjar.

“The ATG continues to target ISIL vehicles, logistics nodes, buildings and check-points, and fighting positions as well as providing close air support for ISF and Peshmerga forces,” he said.

VADM Johnston said in one air strike mission against an ISIL stronghold that overlooked the northern approaches of Mosul, 14 coalition aircraft from seven countries, including Australia, deployed 34 guided munitions that destroyed approximately 12 bunkers and nine heavy machine guns.

“Australia continues to be an active contributor to coalition efforts that are helping the Iraqi Government disrupt and degrade ISIL militants. While operations against ISIL in Iraq will continue for some time, ISIL is under immense pressure and the militants’ momentum has been checked since the air campaign commenced,” he said.

Since Australia began its operations against ISIL in October, 113 munitions have been deployed by the ATG’s Super Hornets against 44 targets resulting in the destruction of 36 targets and damage to a further six.

VADM Johnston said the valuable support provided by the KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport and E-7A Wedgetail had also continued.

In support of ground operations, Australian Special Forces have also been active since they arrived in Iraq about a month ago. Working with their Iraqi Special Operations counterparts, the Special Operations Task Group has begun training 40 ISF soldiers in counter-terrorist tactics. The SOTG has also helped to coordinate 17 kinetic air-strike and close air support operations during more than 40 Advise and Assist tasks and dealt with more than 70 improvised explosive devices.

“This period of intense operations has also been marked by the transition of command for Joint Task Force 633. After an historic 15-month deployment, Major General Craig Orme has handed over responsibilities for managing maritime security, logistics support and operations in Iraq to Rear-Admiral Trevor Jones,” VADM Johnston said.

“MAJGEN Orme has managed the tremendous challenges of supporting operations against ISIL while also reforming our command and control arrangements in the Middle East Region. He has made a lasting contribution and provided outstanding support to deployed women and men. His successor, RADM Trevor Jones returns to the Middle East having previously been the Deputy Commander of the Joint Task Force in 2009.”

In other key achievements, the RAAF’s five year mission involving the Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft ended on 11 December, having completed 27,100 air hours in support of Operation SLIPPER, while HMAS Toowoomba started her return home on 13 December following a four‑month deployment that involved seizing 6.3 tonnes of narcotics. HMAS Success has commenced operations in the Middle East area having last deployed to the region in 1990 as part of a three ship contribution to a Maritime Interception Force.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/20/australian-operations-in-iraq-continue-to-press-isil/feed/Commission of Inquiry report released into CH-47D Chinook crashhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/18/commission-of-inquiry-report-released-into-ch-47d-chinook-crash/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/18/commission-of-inquiry-report-released-into-ch-47d-chinook-crash/#commentsThu, 18 Dec 2014 02:18:34 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7273Defence has released the Commission of Inquiry report into the circumstances surrounding a fatal helicopter crash in Afghanistan on 30 May 2011. Lieutenant Marcus Case was killed when he was thrown from an Australian CH-47D Chinook helicopter during large and uncommanded pitch oscillations, colloquially known as ‘porpoising’.

Lieutenant Case was a passenger, travelling on the Chinook’s ramp at the time of the crash.

Army took immediate action to address safety issues as they were identified. In addition, Defence and Army have undertaken a considerable amount of work since the accident to improve Chinook training and airworthiness as well as general aviation safety management.

In total, 71 recommendations and initiatives have been implemented as a result of the Commission of Inquiry and Aviation Accident Investigation.

The Commission of Inquiry was appointed to further inquire into certain aspects of the helicopter crash, following the completion of a technical investigation conducted by an Aviation Accident Investigation Team from the Directorate of Defence Aviation and Air Force Safety.

The Commission of Inquiry was conducted to inquire into the primary and contributory factors that caused the accident and Lieutenant Case’s death, while the primary purpose of the Aviation Accident Investigation was to identify any aviation safety issues arising from the accident.

Together, these two inquiries comprehensively answer the technical questions associated with why the aircraft crashed.

The Commission of Inquiry identified the following factors led to Lieutenant Case’s death:

the CH-47D helicopter was susceptible to pitch oscillations during operations at high density altitude,

pilots believed the Advanced Flight Control System (AFCS) could correct all pitch disturbances,

in the absence of any formal advice or training, the pilot and co-pilot responded incorrectly to the uncommanded pitch oscillations,

contrary to Army policy, Lieutenant Case was permitted to ride on the ramp, and

Defence agreed to all 19 recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry report and all of these have been fully implemented. The recommendations include issuing a more comprehensive Army Directive on carrying passengers and cargo in all Army operated aircraft, reinforcing the need to report incidents, education about the limitations of the AFCS, and removing the restraint strap from ADF service.

In February 2012, Army accepted all 35 of the Aviation Accident Investigation report’s recommendations. In addition, another 17 initiatives were proposed by Army aimed at improving Chinook aviation safety.

The Aviation Accident Investigation recommendations included:

improvements in training, policy and guidance to address uncommanded and divergent pitch oscillations,

improved guidance on CH-47D ramp operations, and a review of aircrew and passenger restraints.

Specifically, Army Aviation invested considerable effort in developing a detailed understanding of the CH-47D handling qualities. This included a collaborative Defence Science and Technology Organisation and Army project to develop a pilot-level training document addressing the more complex issues associated with CH-47D operation.

Defence acknowledges the ongoing effect of this tragedy for Lt Case’s family, friends and colleagues and continues to support them.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/18/commission-of-inquiry-report-released-into-ch-47d-chinook-crash/feed/Merry Christmas from Defence Media Operationshttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/18/merry-christmas-from-defence-media-operations-2/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/18/merry-christmas-from-defence-media-operations-2/#commentsWed, 17 Dec 2014 23:11:23 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7271Defence Media Operations would like to take this opportunity to wish all in the media a happy and safe Christmas.

While operational areas of the Department of Defence will maintain a capability to respond to emerging requirements, those personnel not required will be taking leave during the Christmas-New Year period.

Therefore, from 3pm Wednesday, 24 December 2014, until 7 am Monday, 5 January 2015, Defence Media Operations will be operating on an after-hours basis.

Please note that a Media Operations Duty Officer will be available on-call to respond only to issues of national importance or major incidents.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/18/merry-christmas-from-defence-media-operations-2/feed/Public comment sought on Defence Trade Controls Amendment Bill 2015http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/17/public-comment-sought-on-defence-trade-controls-amendment-bill-2015/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/17/public-comment-sought-on-defence-trade-controls-amendment-bill-2015/#commentsWed, 17 Dec 2014 06:37:19 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7264The public is invited to comment on an amendment to the Defence Trade Controls Act 2012 associated with strengthened export controls around the supply, publication and brokering of items listed in the Defence and Strategic Goods List.

The Defence Trade Controls Amendment Bill 2015 (the Bill) has been drafted to change the scope of regulation associated with the strengthened export controls introduced by the Defence Trade Controls Act 2012 (the Act).

The Act’s provisions relating to strengthened export controls are subject to a two-year transition period which began on 16 May 2013.

During this transition period, the Department of Defence, through the Defence Export Control Office, has been working closely with stakeholders. This work has resulted in a number of proposed legislative and policy changes.

In addition to strengthened export controls, the Act introduced a treaty between Australia and the United States of America – the Defence Trade Cooperation Treaty. The Bill does not affect this treaty.

The Bill and its associated documents, including the DTC Amendment (Decision Criteria) Regulation 2015, are now open for public consultation until 30 January 2015.

Public consultation sessions will occur in all capital cities from 19-30 January 2015. Informal stakeholder engagement and consultation will continue across all sectors after the formal period of consultation has concluded.

The relevant documents and further information can be accessed from the Defence Export Control Office (DECO) website: www.defence.gov.au/deco/

Deployed as part of Australia’s Joint Task Force 633, Toowoomba conducted security patrols as part of the international community’s Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and Combined Task Force (CTF) 150.

Chief of Joint Operations Command, Vice Admiral David Johnston said during her four-month deployment the ANZAC class frigate with a Ship’s Company of 191 personnel seized 6.3 tonnes of narcotics.

“HMAS Toowoomba has been operating in areas as diverse as the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, and across a vast section of the Indian Ocean along the east coast of Africa,” Vice Admiral David Johnston said.

“Toowoomba conducted 20 boardings, spending more than 240 hours inspecting dhows transiting the region, which of course ultimately saw her seize in excess of half-a-billion dollars (Australian) worth of narcotics which would have otherwise funded terrorist operations. A magnificent achievement made possible by international co-operation.”

Toowoomba’s first operational success occurred on 18 September 2014 when the warship intercepted a dhow 320 km off the coast of Africa carrying 5.6 tonnes of cannabis resin with an estimated Australian street value of over $280 million.

Toowoomba’s success continued with two further narcotic interceptions in quick succession on 17 and 19 November resulting in the discovery of 388kg and 324kg of heroin hidden in void spaces. The 712kg total had a combined estimated Australian street value of over $285 million.

“Your deployment saw you away from home for five months. Your mission saw you in some of the most dangerous waters in the world and each one of you has played an important part in targeting the funding of international terrorism and piracy. I commend you on your deployment. You have done Australia proud,” Rear Admiral Jones said.

While Toowoomba’s primary mission was maritime security operations, the frigate also contributed to the prosperity and security of the region by rendering assistance to a dhow with propulsion failure which was under tow and had almost completely run out of water.

Commanding Officer Cath Hayes said her crew was highly professional, efficient and effective.

“I’m extremely proud of the combined efforts of each of the 191 members of Toowoomba’s team,” she said.

“Working with the CMF team under CTF-150 has been very rewarding. The excellent level of cooperation ensured Toowoomba was positioned to intercept contacts of interest and achieve the operational successes that we did,” Commander Hayes said.

Commander CTF-150, Commodore Brian Santarpia of the Royal Canadian Navy also thanked the crew.

For Commodore Santarpia, HMAS Toowoomba has been a proud addition to a long succession of effective Australian, Canadian and other CMF warships in counter-terrorism operations.

“In my view, Toowoomba has definitively been the backbone of CTF-150 operations over the past few months,” Commodore Santarpia said.

“Australia can once again be very proud of her remarkable success. Bravo Zulu to you all and fair winds and following seas for your transit back home.”

Operation MANITOU is the Australian Government’s contribution to the international effort to promote maritime security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East Region.

HMAS Toowoomba is the 58th Australian warship to deploy to the Middle East since the first Gulf War in 1990.

The Transfer of Authority ceremony was held this week at Camp Baird, Australia’s main headquarters in the MER.

Major General Orme said there was no greater role than to command Australian sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen on operational service.

Speaking at the ceremony Major General Orme said he asked only three things from those he commanded.
“I asked you to be brilliant at the basics, to work as a team and to see the bigger picture.”

“That meant, know your job, look after your mates and understand where you fit in and how what you are doing is important for international security,” he said.

“Now, as I look back over the past 15 months, I can honestly say how proud I am of the Australian Defence Force members and civilians that I have commanded during my deployment.”

“You still all have an important task, you all have an important mission and you are all contributing to it. I wish you all the best, as you take that mission forward. You have a great leader in Rear Admiral Jones and I wish you all the best for the future,” Major General Orme said.

Major General Orme most recently led the initial military planning in the Middle East for Australia’s current assistance to Iraq under Operation OKRA.

During his 15 month deployment Major General Orme commanded Australia’s military contribution to the MER through a period of considerable change which saw the end of Australian combat operations in Afghanistan, the withdrawal of Australian forces from Uruzgan province and the redesign of operations in the MER which took effect on 1 July 2014.

Since September 2013 Major General Orme has also overseen Australia’s contribution to maritime security in the region. In that time Royal Australian Navy ships have seized drugs in excess of $3.318 billion in street value, which would have otherwise funded terrorist organisations.

“I now return to JTF633 to take command and continue with the important mission that we have been tasked to conduct. I thank Major General Orme for his command and leadership since September 2013,” Rear Admiral Jones said.

Major General Orme will return to Australia and retire from the Australian Army after 37 years of service.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/12/change-of-australian-military-command-in-the-middle-east/feed/Last Air Force Heron detachment returns from Afghanistanhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/11/last-air-force-heron-detachment-returns-from-afghanistan/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/11/last-air-force-heron-detachment-returns-from-afghanistan/#commentsThu, 11 Dec 2014 01:53:24 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7253After a five-year commitment in Afghanistan, the last contingent of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Navy and Army personnel supporting the Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Detachment returned home to Australia this morning.

Heron aircraft have completed more than 27,000 mission hours during Operation SLIPPER at Kandahar Airfield providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support to Australian forces and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) partners in southern Afghanistan since August 2009.

Deputy Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Leo Davies welcomed the personnel in Darwin today before they returned to their home cities.

“The men and women that have deployed with Heron should be very proud of what they have achieved for the ADF mission in Afghanistan,” said AVM Davies.

“These remarkable men and women have represented us very well in difficult and dangerous circumstances in Afghanistan. That service would not be possible without the support and dedication of their families who they return to today.”

Following the conclusion of Australia’s mission in Uruzgan in December 2013, the Heron mission was extended to support ISAF members in Regional Command – South, including support to the 2014 Afghan presidential election.

Heron is Air Force’s first Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) entering service directly into Afghanistan in July 2009 and flying its final mission there from Kandahar Airfield on 30 November 2014.

One Heron RPA will return to RAAF Base Woomera in South Australia in 2015, where another Heron is already based, and these aircraft will form the basis of Air Force’s continued development of UAS operations in support of the Australian Defence Force.

Media note:
Imagery will be available through the Defence Image Library: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20143756

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/11/last-air-force-heron-detachment-returns-from-afghanistan/feed/ADFA class of 2014 celebrate milestone achievementhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/11/adfa-class-of-2014-celebrate-milestone-achievement/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/11/adfa-class-of-2014-celebrate-milestone-achievement/#commentsThu, 11 Dec 2014 01:32:13 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7251Following three years of military and academic studies, 220 officer cadets and midshipmen graduated today from the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). They are now ready to become junior leaders in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The Graduation Parade’s Reviewing Officer Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC was joined by the Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC, ADFA Commandant Air Commodore Alan Clements, and other distinguished guests and families at the 2014 Graduation Parade.

“Today’s parade is a major milestone in the careers of these men and women. They joined us as young trainees and now that they have successfully completed their military training and academic studies, they will head into the broader ADF as junior leaders,” AIRCDRE Alan Clements said.

“The education and training provided at ADFA is designed to teach the officer cadets and midshipmen how to lead and excel. It has been a pleasure watching them graduate today and I expect that they will make fine officers, demonstrating high levels of courage, respect, integrity and professionalism, values that are critical to success in the ADF.”

During the parade the Academy’s most prestigious award, the Commander in Chief Medal, was awarded to Officer Cadet Mitchell Apted. This medal is awarded to the most outstanding graduate in the fields of military and academic achievement as well as leadership, personal example and performance of duty.

ACM Binskin presented the Chief of the Defence Force Sword of Honour for Leadership to Officer Cadet Jacob Pratten, who displayed the highest standard of leadership and officer development among the graduating class, and the Vice Chief of the Defence Force Vice Admiral Ray Griggs AO CSC RAN presented the RSL Sword of Honour to Officer Cadet Larissa Whitton.

Midshipman Madeleine Damiris, Officer Cadet Daniel Cateley and Officer Cadet Shane Ivimey were awarded the Chief of Navy, Chief of Army and Chief of Air Force prizes respectively.

The officer cadets and midshipmen who graduated today will be posted to establishments around Australia to continue their training, or to commence operational duties.

“I am very proud to farewell the graduating class of 2014. It has been an honour and privilege to train these talented young people,” AIRCDRE Clements said.

Minister for Defence’s representative, Senator Linda Reynolds said the logistics unit was one of seven being constructed under the Defence Logistics Transformation Program (DLTP).

“Defence needed a quicker and better way to deliver stores and equipment to troops at the right time and the right place, by creating a modern and efficient storage, distribution and maintenance network,” Senator Reynolds said.

“I am also pleased that part of the project included construction of the Western Access Road to Robertson Barracks which, when officially opened early next year, will reduce the traffic passing through the Knuckey Lagoon residential area.”

The JLU – N facility will hold Defence inventory items ranging from nuts and bolts to complex aircraft components. It was completed on time and on budget.

“The DLTP is a key opportunity to transform Defence’s logistics contracts, facilities and systems to drive efficiency for the future,” he said.

“The ultimate beneficiaries of this work will be the women and men of the Navy, Army and
Air Force, who rely on the delivery of fast and efficient logistics support, whether at home or abroad.”

At today’s opening, the facility was officially named The Major General Peter Haddad, AO, Joint Logistics Complex – Darwin (Joint Logistics Unit – North) in honour of Major General Haddad’s significant contribution as Commander Support Command, Australia and as the first Commander, Joint Logistics Command. The facility also has a street named after NT’s only Victoria Cross recipient from World War I, Captain Albert Borella, VC, MM (1881 – 1968).

Major General (retired) Haddad officially opened the new facility today in a ceremony attended by local and interstate dignitaries, including the Lord Major of Darwin, Katrina Fong Lim, Mayor of Palmerston, Ian Abbot and Mayor of Litchfield, Allan McKay.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/11/opening-of-joint-logistics-unit-north-at-robertson-barracks-holtze-nt/feed/Australia enhances defence relationship with Fijihttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/09/australia-enhances-defence-relationship-with-fiji/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/09/australia-enhances-defence-relationship-with-fiji/#commentsTue, 09 Dec 2014 02:22:03 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7236The Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs returned from a visit to Fiji today, the first visit from a senior Australian military representative in some years.

The visit was an important step towards re-establishing a substantive defence relationship between Australia and Fiji, and will form the basis of a new partnership between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF).

This is the first time a senior ADF representative has visited Fiji since 2006, and was timely for both countries to discuss working together in the defence context.

“I was pleased to have the opportunity to discuss broad priorities for defence cooperation with my Fijian counterparts, including our shared perspectives on regional and global security issues. Fiji is one of the largest countries in the Pacific region, and the RFMF has been an important partner for the ADF,” VADM Griggs said.

“We are looking forward to working with the Ministry of Defence and the RFMF to resume a full defence relationship and re-establish strong people-to-people links between our two militaries.”

During the visit, VADM Griggs met with Fiji’s Minister for Defence, National Security, and Immigration, the Hon Timoci Natuva, and senior RFMF representatives.

“Minister Natuva and I discussed the proposed scope, themes, and timeframes for a resumed Defence Cooperation Program and regional maritime security issues,” VADM Griggs said.

“There is much our two militaries can achieve together, including in the areas of maritime security, peacekeeping, engineering and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.”

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/09/australia-enhances-defence-relationship-with-fiji/feed/Future Defence leaders graduate from Australian Command and Staff Collegehttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/08/future-defence-leaders-graduate-from-australian-command-and-staff-college/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/08/future-defence-leaders-graduate-from-australian-command-and-staff-college/#commentsMon, 08 Dec 2014 02:03:30 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7234More than 160 future Defence leaders graduated from the Australian Command and Staff Course – Joint (ACSC(J)) today in a ceremony attended by the Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC, the Secretary of the Department of Defence Dennis Richardson AO and senior Australian National University (ANU) representatives.

ACSC(J) marks one of the most important transitions in an officer’s career. It prepares Major-equivalent personnel to be commanding officers or key staff to senior leaders in the increasingly complex contemporary and future security environments.

Commander Australian Defence College, Major General Simone Wilkie AM said ACSC(J) builds the capacity for leaders to be innovative thinkers, able to operate in dynamic civil-military environments, with multiple government and non-government stakeholders..

“They are challenged by world class lecturers and are exposed to a broad cross section of perspectives from other course members which includes a sizeable international contingent.”

ACSC(J) is a crucial element of the Australian Defence College’s career-long officer development pathway – Joint Professional Military Education (JPME). ACSC(J) is delivered in partnership with ANU. Most of the 168 course members were awarded qualifications from both the Australian Defence College and ANU.

ACSC(J) is an 11-month intensive course which includes strategic policy, leadership and ethics, joint operations, single service studies and capability development components. The class of 2014 included members from 26 countries and three Australian Public Servants.

“I congratulate today’s graduates on your achievements this year and wish you well for your future careers,” MAJGEN Wilkie said.

Speaking at the ceremony, Air Marshal Brown said it was the largest project undertaken by the TNI-AU/RAAF Safety and Airworthiness Joint Working Group since its inception in 2011.

“These projects are aimed at information exchanges between our two Air Forces and to further develop safety and airworthiness systems.

“Safety needs our constant attention. This work is important to continue our longstanding Air force relationship by building mutual trust and understanding” Air Marshal Brown said.

While in Indonesia, Air Marshal Brown will also undertake a range of talks with his counterpart, the Chief of Staff, Indonesian Air Force (Kasau), Air Chief Marshal I.B. Putu Dunia.

Bandung is the main maintenance base for the Indonesian Air Force’s C-130 Hercules aircraft. The refurbished hangar will be used for the maintenance of the C-130H Hercules that are being transferred from Australia to Indonesia.

Australia is in the process of transferring four C-130H Hercules to Indonesia. To date, two of these aircraft have been refurbished at RAAF Base Richmond, before their transfer to the Indonesian Air Force. Indonesia has expressed an interest in purchasing an additional five C130H aircraft. Together these aircraft will contribute to Indonesia’s increasing capacity to respond to natural disasters and humanitarian crisis.

The Dialogue, held on 2 December, was hosted by Chief of the General Staff Department of the Peoples’ Liberation Army (PLA), General Fang Fenghui, at the PLA Headquarters building in Beijing.

ACM Binskin said the Dialogue enhanced the Australia-China defence relationship and emphasised the positive trajectory of defence cooperation and practical engagement with China.

“We discussed the forward program of engagement between the Department of Defence and the Peoples’ Liberation Army in 2015, including strategic dialogue, service engagement, practical cooperation activities, personnel exchanges and training and education opportunities,” ACM Binskin said.

“Our ability to discuss issues in an open and transparent way is a sign of the growing maturity in our defence engagement. We are committed to working with China to ensure a strong, stable and prosperous region.”

Mr Richardson said the Dialogue was an integral component of Australia’s defence engagement with China and provided the opportunity to have frank and open conversations and to exchange views on areas of common interest.

“I am encouraged by the frank and positive discussion we had and I am pleased we agreed further avenues to foster cooperation and engagement for the year ahead.”

Prior to the Dialogue ACM Binskin and Mr Richardson met with the Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, General Fan Changlong.

ACM Binskin gave a presentation to the PLA National Defence University and Secretary Richardson conducted a roundtable discussion with the China Institute of International Strategic Studies on issues of shared strategic and regional interest.

Following the Dialogue ACM Binskin and Secretary Richardson visited Hainan Island and met with the National Institute for South China Sea Studies and visited an artillery regiment.

ACM Binskin will also visit Guangzhou to meet the military region commander and visit a military unit.

Secretary Richardson will visit Yunnan Province to meet with military and government officials.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/04/17th-annual-australia-china-defence-strategic-dialogue/feed/A statement from the Acting Chief of the Defence Forcehttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/03/a-statement-from-the-acting-chief-of-the-defence-force/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/03/a-statement-from-the-acting-chief-of-the-defence-force/#commentsWed, 03 Dec 2014 06:17:54 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7223I am disappointed that the author of the opinion piece titled ‘It’s wrong to march on by’ did not seek clarification or comment from Defence prior to publication in the Courier Mail on 3 December 2014. The article lacks a contemporary understanding of the state of cultural reform in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The Chief of the Defence Force, Service Chiefs and I have demonstrated our commitment to addressing abuse and driving cultural reform in the ADF. There is no reluctance to fix these issues. Over the two years from July 2012 to June 2014, more than 380 ADF members had their service terminated for misconduct or unacceptable behaviour. Such behaviour contradicts our values and will continue to be effectively dealt with.

The ADF accepts that ADFA has not always provided an environment where all members were safe from sexual, physical and mental abuse. This is simply not acceptable and the actions of the Academy leadership in recent years reinforce the ADF’s position that such behaviour is not tolerated.

ADFA is at the forefront of cultural change in Defence to become more fair, inclusive and respectful. ADFA’s leading programs on good citizenship and sexual ethics education are best practice and reflect a deep and genuine commitment to provide an environment and culture that supports the values and behaviours expected of our future leaders.

Heron aircraft have completed more than 27,000 mission hours during Operation SLIPPER providing high resolution intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support to Australian forces and our International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) partners in southern Afghanistan since August 2009.

Heron Rotation 15 Commanding Officer, Wing Commander (WGCDR) Phillip Parsons said Australian personnel had forged a strong reputation for professionalism and dependability over the past five years.

“The personnel on Rotation 15 continued the highly professional work of the rotations that have gone before them,” WGCDR Parsons said.

“The Australian Heron capability forged a fine reputation among our American and other Coalition partners here in ISAF as a result of our can-do attitude and the capabilities of this aircraft.

“From Heron’s first days supporting the Special Operations Task Group through to the end of Australia’s mission in Uruzgan province last year and support to ISAF units throughout 2014, Heron has provided commanders on the ground with information they needed to fight and keep their people safe.”

Wing Commander Phillip Parsons said the Heron personnel had excelled in their role in Afghanistan.

“Sometimes we were the only Remotely Piloted Aircraft flying in this region and we’d often be called upon to get overhead and provide information back to Coalition partners.”

Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral (VADM) David Johnston, said the Heron teams had made a significant contribution to Australia’s mission in Afghanistan.

“This final flight marks the end of a dedicated and well-executed mission that has been pivotal in keeping our personnel safe, minimising the risk to civilians on the ground and achieving our Operation SLIPPER mission,” VADM Johnston said.

“Defence personnel from all services who have deployed with Heron can hold their heads high for further developing the capability of the ADF to employ the RPA, while forging and maintaining a strong reputation for professionalism among the ADF as well as with our international partners.”

Three Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft were based at Kandahar Air Field and operated in southern Afghanistan.

Approximately 490 Air Force, Navy and Army personnel deployed with the Heron detachment during its 15 rotations.

Following the conclusion of Australia’s mission in Uruzgan in December 2013, the Heron mission was extended to support ISAF members in Regional Command – South, including support to the 2014 Afghan presidential election.

Heron is Air Force’s first unmanned aerial system and notably, entered service directly into Afghanistan after Air Force and Army personnel undertook training in Canada in July 2009.

All Heron detachment personnel will return to Australia by the end of December 2014.

Australia is committed to supporting security and stability in Afghanistan beyond 2014 through cooperation in security, diplomatic and development channels, and continuing to build the capacity of Afghanistan’s national institutions.

Australia has pledged to contribute to the post-2014 NATO-led ‘train, advise, assist’ mission and our current contribution provides a good foundation for Australia’s post‑2014 commitment.

DMO’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Harry Dunstall said the four projects, collectively worth around $3.3 million, were part of a broader grants program that awarded around $20 million to 14 companies in 2012 and 2013.

“The PICIP grants have assisted the four companies to further develop their technologies and services in areas identified as being of strategic importance to the Australian Defence Force,” Mr Dunstall said.

The grant funding from Defence, matched on a ‘dollar for dollar’ basis by each company, has allowed the four companies to achieve significant milestones, namely:

Cirrus Real Time Processing Systems Pty Ltd has broadened the applications for its Sensor Association and Fusion Engine technology;

Exelis C4i Pty Ltd has taken key steps in the market-readiness of its fifth generation end to end internet protocol based voice and data communication system;

Jenkins Engineering Defence Systems Pty Ltd has expanded their antenna testing services to include NearField Scanning of Radio Frequency antennas; and

Secure Systems Limited has commercialised a portable storage device that allows highly classified data to be stored, yet allow the device to be handled as unclassified.

“I welcome the completion of these projects and wish these companies every success in the defence and commercial applications of their technology solutions,” Mr Dunstall said.

“The four companies are small to medium enterprises with niche products, and their participation in the grant program has assisted in improving their competitiveness here in Australia and in the international marketplace.”

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/03/investment-in-industry-capability-pays-off/feed/Chief of Navy response to reporting on 730 ABChttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/03/chief-of-navy-response-to-reporting-on-730-abc/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/03/chief-of-navy-response-to-reporting-on-730-abc/#commentsWed, 03 Dec 2014 04:48:35 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7216Last night the ABC’s 7.30 aired a story about Navy members deployed on Operation RESOLUTE and the impact of border protection operations on their health and wellbeing.

Our Navy people are often asked to undertake difficult and challenging work, there is no doubt that border protection work is amongst the most arduous. Yet I continue to be impressed by the way that our people go about these difficult tasks, conducting themselves with great compassion, professionalism and dignity. Australians should be proud of their efforts over more than a decade of border protection operations.

This work does have an impact on our people, which is why we have a tailored mental health support program for those involved in border protection operations. This program includes regular screening and follow up mental health support where required. I believe it is a first class system that is part of a broader approach to mental health across the ADF.

Border protection operations are complex and dynamic operations which require high levels of professionalism by our commanders and their crew. At the forefront of their thinking is the preservation of life at sea. This is intrinsic to mariners the world over and the men and women of the Royal Australian Navy exemplify this mariner approach.

T.W. BARRETT
VADM
Chief of Navy

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/03/chief-of-navy-response-to-reporting-on-730-abc/feed/End User Computinghttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/02/end-user-computing/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/02/end-user-computing/#commentsTue, 02 Dec 2014 05:44:05 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7210The Department of Defence today announced that it has released a Request for Quote to members of the Applications Managed Service Panel Agreement (AMSPA) for the delivery of End User Computing.

The AMSPA Panel is a Defence strategic partnership with major Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry suppliers.

Within the scope of End User Computing is the delivery of the Next Generation Desktop Project on the Defence Restricted Network.

End User Computing will deliver a transformed end user ICT environment that is capable of leveraging new and emerging technologies to support Defence business requirements.

It will improve lifecycle management, sustainability and resilience to support a stable, secure and standardised Defence ICT environment.

Defence expects to announce the down select of the preferred tenderer in the second quarter of 2015.

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/12/02/end-user-computing/feed/HMAS Canberra joins the fleethttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/28/hmas-canberra-joins-the-fleet/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/28/hmas-canberra-joins-the-fleet/#commentsFri, 28 Nov 2014 05:00:59 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7204Governor General of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove, AK, MC (Retd), together with the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Mr Tony Abbott, MP, were the guests of honour today as Australia’s first Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) was welcomed into service in the Royal Australian Navy.

The Australian White Ensign was raised for the first time, signaling that HMAS Canberra III was formally commissioned into the Fleet.

Navy, Army and Air Force members of ship’s company lined the aircraft hangar as invited guests witnessed the historic event.

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, AO, CSC, RAN, said the commissioning was a step towards developing the future of the Navy.

“HMAS Canberra is an exciting addition to the Royal Australian Navy. This very capable ship will serve the nation well for decades to come,” he said.

Commanding Officer, Captain Jonathan Sadleir, AM, RAN, said it was also a significant moment for the tri-service ship’s company who had been training for months in preparation for the introduction of the LHD.

“It was a proud and emotional experience for me to stand with 400 exceptional members of my crew today.

“Through the efforts of many organizations, this outstanding ship is now a reality,” Capt Sadleir said.

The ship brings a significant increase in amphibious potential to the Australian Defence Force.

“We know it’s an awesome ship with huge capability, but the next step is to go to sea and test procedures, refine and consolidate, so we can be ready when the nation needs us,” he said.

HMAS Canberra will proceed to sea in the coming weeks for a period of training and assessment for the crew.

Canberra is first of two LHDs to be introduced into the Navy. The ship is expected to used for diverse tasking such as humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and amphibious operations.

Canberra is capable of embarking more than 1000 troops and associated cargo which can be landed ashore by helicopters or state of the art landing craft.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/28/hmas-canberra-joins-the-fleet/feed/New partnership to explore virtual simulation opportunitieshttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/28/new-partnership-to-explore-virtual-simulation-opportunities/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/28/new-partnership-to-explore-virtual-simulation-opportunities/#commentsFri, 28 Nov 2014 04:44:14 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7196Defence has entered a partnership with the University of Newcastle (UoN) to explore how virtual simulation can be used to further enhance education and training.

The Australian Defence College (ADC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Newcastle at the Directorate of Simulation at RAAF Base Williamtown today.

Through the MOU, UoN honours and postgraduate students will undertake virtual simulation research and development projects that are directly relevant to the ADC.

Commandant, Australian Command and Staff College (a learning centre within the ADC) Brigadier Peter Gates said the ADC already used virtual simulation for some education and training programs and this partnership would explore the potential for greater use of simulation.

“We are on the cusp of the next generation of simulation, with computer science, engineering and the arts, both physical and virtual, combining to deliver a range of applications that Defence can use,” Brigadier Gates said.

“We are increasingly turning to simulation as technological capabilities continually evolve. There are many potential future educational uses for simulation including leadership, language and cultural training.

“The collaboration between Defence and the University of Newcastle brings a range of benefits. The Australian Defence College can draw upon tailored research and development in cutting edge areas of simulation from students at the University of Newcastle and academics within the Applied Informatics Research Group.

“A broader understanding of technology trends in this niche area will help us to shape our education and training strategies and guide future investment decisions..

“Additionally, developing workforce skills that can be used across the Defence sector benefits not only the individuals concerned but can have a last positive impact on Defence capability.”

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/28/new-partnership-to-explore-virtual-simulation-opportunities/feed/Soldiers clear Brisbane’s streetshttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/28/soldiers-clear-brisbanes-streets/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/28/soldiers-clear-brisbanes-streets/#commentsFri, 28 Nov 2014 04:43:35 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7200Soldiers from Gallipoli Barracks Enoggera, sent to assist the Queensland State Emergency Service following the Brisbane ‘superstorm’ on Thursday, have now returned to barracks after a job well done.

The Emergency Support Force (ESF) consisted of Soldiers from 8/9th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment, and supported by Headquarters 7th Brigade.

In a matter of hours following the storm the soldiers were recalled to barracks and were tasked to support State Emergency Service requirements.

7 Brigade Commander, Brigadier Adam Findlay AM, said the soldiers had rehearsed and prepared for this sort of action so it was no surprise they were able to quickly step into the breach.

“Rehearsal is never wasted and Defence Aid to the Civil Community (DACC) in times of natural disaster is a training focus for this high-readiness Brigade,” Brigadier Findlay said.

“The soldiers were able to quickly clear the routes, allowing emergency services access into areas to restore power and bring aid to those affected.”

The ESF was praised for its efforts by the Queensland Governor Mr. Paul de Jersey, Premier of Queensland Mr. Campbell Newman, and Brisbane Lord Mayor Mr. Graham Quirk.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/28/soldiers-clear-brisbanes-streets/feed/2nd Cavalry Regiment arrives in Townsvillehttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/28/2nd-cavalry-regiment-arrives-in-townsville/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/28/2nd-cavalry-regiment-arrives-in-townsville/#commentsFri, 28 Nov 2014 02:13:19 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7198The 2nd Cavalry Regiment started a new chapter in their proud history yesterday when they officially joined forces with Townsville’s 3rd Brigade. Their arrival was marked by a welcome parade at Lavarack Barracks, on 27 November 2014.

More than 300 soldiers and 100 vehicles paraded before dignitaries, colleagues, family and friends to take up residence in Townsville.

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment recently moved from Darwin’s 1st Brigade under Army’s modernisation plan. The unit will form the new Armoured Cavalry Regiment within Army’s 3rd Brigade.

Commander of the 3rd Brigade, Brigadier Roger Noble, DSC, CSC, said that the 2nd Cavalry Regiment would be a welcome addition to the brigade and offer an armoured capability and mobility that had not been available to the soldiers of Townsville in the past.

“What we’ve gained now is a full armoured capability with tanks, light armoured fighting vehicles and armoured personnel carriers. We now have all the armoured capability we need to enable the combined arms teams to fight, resident here in Townsville on a permanent basis,” Brigadier Noble said.

Commanding Officer of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel James Davis said it was an honour to be the first Commanding Officer to bring an armoured regiment to Townsville.

“The 2nd Cavalry Regiment will form an important part of 3rd Brigade as we will increase firepower and mobility to what was once known as the light brigade,” Lieutenant Colonel Davis said.

“The next 12 months will be exciting as more than 160 armoured vehicles, including the remainder of the tank squadron, will form what is known as an armoured cavalry regiment.”

“The regiment’s members welcome the move to Townsville, we have done extensive work with the local government and familiarisation tours for the members’ families to make the move as easy as possible.”

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment has supported most of Australia’s significant deployments in the past 15 years.

The unit served with distinction in East Timor in support of INTERFET in 1999 and UNTAET from 2000 to 2002.

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment led Al Muthanna Task Group One in Iraq in 2005 and supported the second Task Group rotation from 2005 to 2006.

The regiment also led Overwatch Battle Group Two and supported the third Battle Group in Iraq from 2006 to 2007.

In Baghdad, the unit supported the Security Detachment with the Australian Embassy from 2003 to 2005, 2007 to 2009 and 2011.

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment also deployed to Afghanistan supporting Reconstruction Task Force One from 2006 to 2007, Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force rotations one and two from 2008 to 2010 and Mentoring Task Force Two from 2010 to 2011.

In thanking the Taskforce for its ongoing work, Air Chief Marshal Binskin acknowledged the Honourable Len Roberts-Smith for the dedicated and professional manner in which he has approached these difficult matters.

“The ADF leadership accepts that the past abuse described in these reports has had a profound impact on victims, and commends their courage in speaking up. Recognising and understanding the nature and extent of historical abuse is fundamental to improving how our people are treated,” ACM Binskin said.

The reports provide a detailed account of the impact of abuse as well as a significant volume of statistical data and specific referrals regarding more than 2400 reported cases of abuse spanning almost 70 years from the 1940s to April 2011, which Defence is now carefully considering.

“Defence will always respect the complainants’ wishes and interests, and while we remain committed to action against alleged abusers, we also have a responsibility to do no further harm to complainants,” ACM Binskin said.

“We take every allegation of abuse seriously and consider each one individually. However, as outlined in the taskforce’s reports, Defence is bound by the application of legal and administrative standards of proof and requirements of procedural fairness. Adverse action of any kind against individuals must be based on evidence that satisfies the required standard of proof.

“Defence continues to work closely with the taskforce in considering appropriate responses to matters which range from mismanagement through to allegations of bullying, harassment, physical assault and sexual abuse. In this respect I have requested the taskforce make referrals of cases to me as soon as practical.

Many of the issues raised in the reports are being addressed through the Pathway to Change cultural reform program. In today’s reports, the taskforce acknowledged the significant commitment within Defence to achieving cultural change.

“I believe we are making real progress on cultural change across Defence to become more fair, inclusive and respectful. I am pleased that ADFA today is at the forefront of this change. I am confident that the vast majority of our people do respect our organisation’s values and expected behaviours,” ACM Binskin said.

Addressing historical allegations of abuse in Defence is a difficult and complex issue affecting the lives of many people. Defence remains focused on supporting the victims of abuse, and is implementing initiatives such as the Defence Abuse Restorative Engagement Program to ensure individuals are given the opportunity to have their personal stories heard, acknowledged and responded to.

Defence notes the Taskforce’s recommendation that a Royal Commission is merited into the abuse at the Australian Defence Force Academy. The establishment of a Royal Commission is a decision for the Government.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/26/cdf-statement-regarding-defence-abuse-response-taskforce-report/feed/Chief of Joint Operations, Vice-Admiral David Johnston, and Director General Air Operations, Air Commodore Vincent “Joe” Iervasi on Australian operations in Iraqhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/25/chief-of-joint-operations-vice-admiral-david-johnston-and-director-general-air-operations-air-commodore-vincent-joe-iervasi-on-australian-operations-in-iraq/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/25/chief-of-joint-operations-vice-admiral-david-johnston-and-director-general-air-operations-air-commodore-vincent-joe-iervasi-on-australian-operations-in-iraq/#commentsTue, 25 Nov 2014 07:40:27 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7189DAVID JOHNSTON:

Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.

Today I will provide you with a further operations update in the Middle East region, with a particular focus on Iraq and give you some insights into some operations that we’ve been providing in support of the Baiji oil refinery near Mosul and Kirkuk.

But as a general comment, the tempo for us across the Middle East region remains high. I had the good fortune of visiting both Afghanistan and our bases in the Middle East last week, and got a good sense from that that our people are busy, but their moral is good; and they have a real sense of purpose around the work that they are doing. Which I might remind you includes, as we’ve discussed, the air operations over Iraq, the work that we’re doing in Afghanistan to build capacity and support the Afghan National Security Forces; the maritime security operations near the Gulf of Aden, where we’ve had some considerable recent success. And all of that’s supported by our women and men that operate from our support base in the Middle East, who provide the communications, logistic support, welfare support, to ensure that our various operational conduct is able to be performed.

If I can take you and perhaps just restate our objectives, particularly in Iraq, for you, and I’d remind us that ISIL continues to pose a serious terrorist threat to Iraq, to the region, and to the broader international community. From an Australian perspective, our objective remains to work with the Iraqi Government to ensure it’s able to keep its people safe, and to combat ISIL.

Our national actions are of course part of a broader coalition involving 60 different nations, including regional nations and neighbouring nations in Iraq who are coming together to be able to support the Iraqi Government and its Security Forces.

In general terms, the advance of ISIL across Iraq has slowed. ISIL continues to reduce their profile to air attacks. Predictably, what we have seen is that ISIL is increasingly moving to conduct asymmetric attacks, specifically through the use of improvised explosive devices, and suicide bombers. Sadly these attacks continue the pattern of ISIL harming innocent civilians. But Iraqi Security Forces are demonstrating resolve, and what we’re seeing is an increasingly number of Iraqi locals are responding to their slowly-changing security environment, and in a number of areas are starting to form groups that are rising and starting to counter the influence of ISIL within their towns. The gains are modest, but they’re important, and the signs that we’re seeing are certainly welcome.

For our special operations contribution following successful negotiations with the Iraqi Government we gained the necessary approvals that have enabled the movement of the Special Operations Task Group into Baghdad. And that move is now largely completed. The initial focus for the Task Group has been on establishing accommodation, their working space, getting the communications and security arrangements in place that we need, and they have commenced engagement with key Iraqi Security Force Officials around the advise and assist mission.

As I’ve said previously, our Special Operations Group will be working with the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism service, with the objective of reinforcing that service, which is another special operations group, in order to enable it to conduct activities against ISIL.

Our personnel have commenced the advise and assist mission, largely within, at this point, the Baghdad Diplomatic Security Centre, which is within the broader precinct of the Baghdad International Airport. Our personnel have commenced assisting both in terms of the immediate operations that are conducted out of the Baghdad diplomatic security centre, where we are provided coordination of close air support, and we are making preparations as required to go forward to forward operating bases with our partner counter-terrorism service, where we will work down to the battalion headquarters level in that advise-assist role.

For our air campaign it’s continued with significant results since I last briefed you. In the past week Australian C-130 airlift aircraft have conducted a further four humanitarian air drop missions, this time over the Mount Sinjar region where we have delivered 32 tonnes of food, water, tents, and blankets. The objective from the provision of these stores is really about providing support before winter sets in in that area, and it can be a harsh winter, due to the impact of ISIL in displacing those people and limiting their access to food and shelter. So that brings to total number of six the humanitarian air drop missions that we have conducted since the start of our operations.

Additionally, over the last 20 days since I spoke to you we’ve released through air combat operations weapons on 20 occasions, which now account for up to 47 different occasions that we have conducted weapons delivery since we commenced strike operations. I will offer you a description of a few of those operations to give you an indication of the nature of the activities that we’ve performed.

In the past fortnight, a weapon system operator, the back-seater in an Australian F-18 Super Hornet, while operating near Kirkuk observed an ISIL militant moving to what was later discovered to be a large, well-established, and hidden network of caves and bunkers that were concealed in a hillside. Within days a subsequent multi-national airstrike involving 20 aircraft attacked 44 targets, complimented by a large-scale ground operation that was led by the Kurdish security forces, that rapidly entered that area, cleared it of the remaining ISIL militants, and with some reporting indicating that over 100 ISIL fighters were killed in those clearance operations.

Also, recently an Australian strike crew took a mission command role leading the planning and coordination for another multi-national airstrike against a major improvised explosive device factory in Mosul. This was a highly complex mission, with the target being within a multi-building compound located in a fairly densely-populated area in Mosul, and involved attacks on 34 targets in that area. The IED factory was severely damaged, with many parts assessed as destroyed.

I previously mentioned the strategic importance of oil refineries within Iraq and Syria, and as I’ve said on that occasion gaining access to oil or denying oil production capabilities has been a clear ISIL objective, either as a revenue generation requirement for themselves, or to deny the Iraqi Government the access to oil production for its own revenue purposes. In June you had seen the Baiji oil refinery, which is the largest refinery within Iraq, was fiercely contested by both Iraqi and ISIL forces, but subsequently held by a small Iraqi security detachment that remained within the facility and the compound. But it was cut off from the surrounding township and cut off from supporting security forces, very much isolated in trying to defend that refinery, which resulted in it being supported by airdrop-supplied munitions and food in order to sustain those forces. That refinery is capable of producing between 170,000 to 300,000 barrels of oil per day, and if you based it on a $80 per barrel oil price it’s able to generate about $13m worth of revenue per day.

The other important part of Baiji is its strategic location. So Baiji lies on the main highway north of Baghdad en route to Mosul, so it’s a very important line of communication between the north and the south. In the past fortnight the Iraqi Army 1st and 6th Division, supported by Iraqi militia forces, have fought their way north from Baghdad to successfully link up with the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service, which is the group that has been inside the oil refinery holding it. This action has enabled the security forces to retake that area, including the town of Baiji and the oil refinery that is just outside it. What that’s achieved it’s denied ISIL access to that facility, it has secured it as a oil refinery that is available to the Iraqi Government, and without access to that refinery ISIL can’t access the finances that they use to fuel their own machines, to be able to generate revenue to buy weapons, to pay people, including their own fighters. And what we’ve seen is an Iraqi media – Defence spokesman indicate that what they’ve observed in and around that town is a very large IED production capabilities that are being now impacted because their security forces are sweeping through there.

Australian forces have been part of this operation to retake Baiji and the oil refinery near it, and we’ve been conducting air strike operations in support of that effort. We’ve employed more than 20 500-pound bombs against targets that have included vehicles, enemy compounds, convoys, logistic lines, and fighting positions. So we’ve been very much a part of the effort to recapture the area around Baiji, and our own assessments from those missions indicate that at least seven of the targets that we’ve been engaging have been destroyed.

Those operations don’t just involve our Super Hornet strike aircraft; we’ve increasingly been using the E-7 early warning and control aircraft, and our air-to-air refuelling aircraft as part of the package that supports those strike activities.

Finally, if I can just update you on our maritime operations in the Middle East region. HMAS Toowoomba, which is the currently deployed Anzac frigate operating in that area, on 20 November was involved in a further drug interdiction. This seizure involved up to 324 kilograms of heroin, with a street value of about AU$129m, found inside a dhow, well hidden, but was the second drug interdiction that that ship had performed within a 72-hour period. That interdiction, on top of the work Toowoomba has earlier done it its deployment, has taken out of the hands of drug smugglers about a half-a-billion dollars worth of drugs. A very significant amount, and we know those drugs are used by drug cartels to finance a range of activities, including terrorism activities.

If I were to roll up the complete contribution of some of our ships over a period looking back to Toowoomba, HMAS Darwin and Melbourne who operated in that region before it, in total between those ships we have conducted a number of drug intercepts which amount to about AU$3.5b worth of drugs that have been removed as a consequence of our intercept operations.

I’ll complete the update there, and I’m happy to take any questions. And I’ve got with me again Air Commodore Joe Iervasi from our air operations centre; able to share the questions between us. Thank you.

QUESTION:

When do you expect the SOTG to start moving from Baghdad towards those battalion-level headquarters?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Some of the operations we’ll do within the Baghdad Diplomatic Security Centre. So some of our training, even at the battalion headquarters level, can occur there, because the Iraqi SOF [Special Operations Forces] also have operational headquarters in that region, and that’s where we’re starting. We will move to further operations outside. It in part depends on the preparedness of the Iraqi forces to move, and the operations to which they will contribute to. So I’d certainly be expecting that moves would start within the next fortnight, but it depends on the pattern of the Iraqi operations, and then their need for us to be able to come and provide that assistance to them.

QUESTION:

The Iraqi forces generally seem to be reluctant to stand and fight, but the troops in Baiji, and it sounds like there’s only a relatively small number of them, seem to have made a stand. What was different about them?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I think in part the forces that held the Baiji area were from the Counter-Terrorism Service. They’re SOF forces, so their better trained and more able of the Iraqi Security Forces, they have done an outstanding job against very difficult circumstances in holding that area. They have been supported by the coalition air strikes, the Iraqi Army’s own resupply to get food, munitions in there to be able to hold that area, but it has been very successful.

But to more broadly answer your question, I think last time I mentioned that we’d seen the success of the Iraqi Security Forces in pushing south to provide security to the Ashura pilgrimage; they were active and were successful in that, the work that they’ve done, and it has been a tough, slow fight heading north from Baghdad. They’ve encountered multiple IED emplacements as they push north on the highway; they’ve had suicide bombers, particularly in vehicle-born IEDs, have been striking them repetitively along the way, but they have maintained the momentum. So, some days have been quicker than others, but it’s quite a journey from Baghdad all the way up to Baiji, and they have managed it and have achieved that part of their objective.

So we are seeing in areas their resolve improving, their confidence improving, and that’s leading to that change in environment and momentum on the ground.

QUESTION:

Were they advised by anyone? They weren’t advised by us; were the Americans with them?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

They weren’t advised by us. I’m not sure whether they had potentially other Coalition soft partners in there with them. But they’ve certainly been supported by the broader Coalition in order to enable them to continue to hold that ground.

QUESTION:

How important was that for Iraq as a whole, that they actually made a stand and held the place?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I think it’s enormously important because the vitality of the Baiji Oil Refinery to Iraq, but equally for the confidence of the Iraqi security forces in being able to counter ISIL in an area where ISIL holds an objective – that is, they wanted to hold that refinery, or get in and take that refinery area. And the Iraqi security forces have been able to demonstrate that they can counter ISIL and recovery territory.

QUESTION:

[inaudible question]

DAVID JOHNSTON:

There is a momentum shift, but it isn’t consistent, so I wouldn’t try to indicate that there’s a broad changing environment. But there is a positive changing environment. So the western approaches to Baghdad, they still remain fairly fragile. We’re seeing a significant attack by ISIL in Ramadi. So they continue to apply pressure in the western approaches to Baghdad. Iraqi security forces are holding the key ground and facilities in that area. But more broadly there is a shift. And the operations up towards Baiji are an example of that; the operations down south equally towards Kobani were an example. So we’re seeing the evidence on the ground that is indicating that shift is occurring.

QUESTION:

Counter-terrorism service, is that the thing that’s under command of [indistinct]?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I’m not sure who that – it is made up of multiple units inside it. We can check and come back to you.

QUESTION:

[inaudible question]

DAVID JOHNSTON:

We can provide that. They have changed leaders recently. In a number of their brigade level and divisional level command, so we’ll need to check and we can get that advice to you.

QUESTION:

The Special Operations Task Group, where are they likely to be operating? In the area west of Baghdad?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Within, first, as I said – within the Baghdad Diplomatic Security Centre. But they’ll go where they need to go. So they’ve got quite a bit of freedom in terms of depending on where the Counter-Terrorism Service needs to fight. We will do our normal risk assessments about the viability of moving to particular locations and the support available to us. But we’ve got that flexibility to be able to support them in a range of areas.

QUESTION:

[inaudible question]

DAVID JOHNSTON:

We’ve got the support vehicles in-country with them, yes.

QUESTION:

[indistinct] A hundred killed [indistinct] or round about. Were many of those or any of those part of the leadership group? And how successful has it been overall? Do you have an assessment of how successful you’ve been in getting the leaders?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

We’ve seen a number of reports that a number of ISIL leaders both out to the west and in the north, have been successfully attacked and targeted, some in deliberate attacks against them, others because they’ve been in an area where we’re conducting strike operations. So there is no doubt that there is an impact on ISIL’s leadership capability. They are able – and I wouldn’t overstate it – they are able to regenerate leadership. But every time you lose a leader with experience, with knowledge of the area that they’re operating in, that’s been intimately involved in planning and preparing for operations. That has an impact on forces. And it would have an impact.

QUESTION:

[indistinct]

DAVID JOHNSTON:

We haven’t seen any information to confirm it, and I think increasingly it looks less likely than likely.

QUESTION:

The British SAS, according to media reports in the UK, are operating in groups targeting ISIL formations. Do we have any SAS doing a similar thing, or do we have any SAS with them?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

No.

QUESTION:

You mentioned that the strike against the IED facility in Mosul was in a heavily – densely populated, I think you said, area. Are you certain there were no civilian casualties in that? And if so, how?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

We conduct the full assessments after – you can never be certain. I’ve got no evidence that would indicate that there are any civilian casualties, but we have a very mature level of assessment that follows any of our strike activities to enable to us to monitor that. We’ve seen no reports. Joe, are you able to add any further clarity to that particular strike activity?

JOE IERVASI:

Thanks sir. So prior to a strike of that level of complexity, there is a fair amount of intelligence and surveillance that goes in there to qualify exactly who may actually be present at the time the strike is going to be conducted. So the strikes are coordinated to both minimalize any impact there might be for civilian casualties or damage to civilian property that is not directly involved in ISIL forward movements. And secondly we establish what’s called a pattern of life to understand who is generally moving around that area. And generally speaking, leading up to that particular strike the pattern of life indicated that it was ISIL moving in and around those facilities there. So by extension, it was highly unlikely that there were non-ISIL individuals involved or in the vicinity of those particular strikes.

QUESTION:

[inaudible]

DAVID JOHNSTON:

[indistinct] that many of you are seeing. I think not long after the first strikes there was a suggestion that he had been active with a release of a public announcement, I recall, I think there was still word going on to verify that. But we’ve not seen categorical evidence to suggest that he’s deceased.

QUESTION:

And to be clear on that, so it is now on balance, you believe, likely he is still alive.

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Yes. I’ve not seen anything to indicate on balance that he’s dead.

QUESTION:

[indistinct] that any Australian citizens are among the casualties that you’ve reported?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

None that we are aware of, no.

QUESTION:

[inaudible question]

DAVID JOHNSTON:

We will as we rotate all of our forces. There are – and Joe can talk through it. Particularly with air crew, they need to keep a range of competencies in various air flying skills. You can do some of that in an operational theatre but not all of them. So there’s both a rate of effort in terms of how much we would commit them to an operational flying rate. But the need to refresh core skills that can’t be done in an operating area. So we would plan naturally, to do a rotation for them.

QUESTION:

Has there been any change in anti-aircraft weapons? Any missiles or ground fire?

JOE IERVASI:

No, none seen. So we keep a fairly close eye on what may be movements into the area of surface-to-air missiles, but we have got no indications that the threat to our aircraft operations has increased in any material way.

QUESTION:

Has there been any progress towards a broader training role for ADF troops? I know that President Obama sort of flagged(*) the possibility for the Americans, and I think the CDF actually raised the possibility in an Estimates hearing a few weeks ago as well, that that might be the next stage of the mission. Is there any planning going on around that at this stage?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

We are scoping options should Government need them. So we’re looking at both what the campaign is, in terms of how the government of Iraq may wish to continue to build their own forces and move on an offensive; how the Coalition effort may contribute to that. So we continue to evaluate potential options. We don’t have a firm plan around that at the moment, but we’re evaluating what might need to be done, and be ready when required to bring options forward.

QUESTION:

In Afghanistan, the Americans announced this week that they were going to keep carrying out combat operations until 2015. Will that affect us at all? And do we revise our position as to how we operate there as a result?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

We stopped our combat-related operations at the end of last year, and have pulled the forces out. So we are there in an advise-assist capacity. Now, we don’t have combat operations – or that combat effect in there, and there’s no plan changed to that [sic].

QUESTION:

Something we were talking about earlier. How profound is the shift by IS forces to the use of IEDs and suicide bombers, and what do you read from that?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

It is a shift around taking an asymmetric approach. So when you can’t act like a conventional military force, you have to find other ways of achieving your objective. That means you can’t mass force, you can’t make major offensives or gains, because that requires a massive force to be able to achieve. So it localises your actions, it limits some of your options. It can be difficult to counter and the nature of improvised explosive devices mean that they pose a threat. They’re non-discriminatory. They impact those who are fighting and those who are innocent civilians operating in the areas where they may be laid. But it is consistent with a pattern of change from acting as a conventional military-type force to one that is trying to achieve objectives through more limited means. And it is a very limited means.

QUESTION:

[indistinct] Given the work that we put into understanding and countering IEDs in Afghanistan, how much of our advise and assist mission now turns to dealing with that threat?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

And it would. So we have counter-IED capabilities within our forces. We’re well-trained and prepared to deal with them. So some of the advise and assist training roles that we would anticipate providing to the counter-terrorism services would be in counter-IED. So that would be part of how we would assist in upskilling them; give them the confidence of how to cope or test train and check for these devices before they move. So that they’ve got the ability to do so.

QUESTION:

[inaudible question]

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Just a part of it. It’d be an element of it – it’d be, some of our work and we’re seeing the requests around leadership training, mentoring, engineering training, sniper operations. So there’s quite a range of military skill sets that the counter-terrorism service is seeking that we would assist them in their training. And we’ll bring all that as part of our skill [indistinct] to them.

QUESTION:

[inaudible question]

DAVID JOHNSTON:

That is, the forces do have the joint targeted air controllers within them. So in part that advise-assist mission is, how do you bring the Coalition airstrike capabilities and integrate it into the Iraqi security force military plans. The JTAC role is an element of that. So our skill set is, if you’ve got these types of military capabilities available to you; how do you develop your operational planning on the basis that you’ll have access to them? And then how would you execute. And we would make sure because of the relationships we have, particularly with the air strike, is we would be part of that JTAC role.

QUESTION:

[inaudible]

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Yes.

QUESTION:

[indistinct] putting them pretty close to the front line.

DAVID JOHNSTON:

No, you could be conducting a JTAC role from the Baghdad Diplomatic Security Centre. So if you’ve got the tools, and often that could be you’re remotely observing an incident by an overhead UAV that’s providing full-motion video back to a control centre. A JTAC could be operating in that environment and assisting a force that’s well forward from it.

QUESTION:

But we have had JTACs guiding strikes that we’ve carried out thus far?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

We have.

QUESTION:

[indistinct] Kobani, for instance?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

The reporting I’m indicating is, it still remains a street by street prospect. I think increasingly the gain in streets by the Kurdish forces. They are gently turning back the tide and the amount of territory that was previously held by ISIL. The air operations continue. They remain highly effective, including in diminishing the supply by ISIL into the Kobani area. I think when we spoke 20 days ago the momentum had started to shift, then. That remains a gradual shift. Kobani clearly hasn’t fallen. There are additional fighters that have come into the area. And I think the prospects, while still not entirely clear, are improving.

QUESTION:

[indistinct] in your introductory remarks that – it was just the wording you used. You said the advance of ISIL across Iraq has slowed. So are they still advancing in some areas?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

They are still on the offensive in some areas. And I mention Ah Ramadi as an area where in the western approaches to Baghdad that they’re conducting offensive operations. So they are still seeking to gain territory in areas important to them, yes.

QUESTION:

Are you working and the Coalition partners working towards a spring counter-offensive? What’s the long term timetable?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

That’s still to be determined. And in part depends on how quickly the Iraqi forces are able to rebuild mass and recover the numbers. Increasingly as the advise-assist mission occurs and we can upskill their capability, they will have the capacity to go on the offensive. Now, whether that’s just in a measured manner rather than a broader offensive, that may take a little more time to build up more brigades than they’ve currently got available. My view at the moment is, we’re helping reskill and improve the resolve of the currently available Iraqi security forces. With time they will add to that force. And that’s when we’ll see a much more broader shift to an offensive. That will not occur before next year.

QUESTION:

The place where you suspect they’re advancing most is that western Baghdad area?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Where ISIL is advancing most? That’s where they’re applying the most pressure at the moment.

QUESTION:

You mentioned some area specifically before?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Ah Ramadi. The township of Ramadi. It’s between Baghdad and the town [indistinct].

QUESTION:

Does ISIL control Ramadi, or?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

No. The offensive at the moment – they have gained some territory but not the key government areas, including the Iraqi operating areas in that location. So they’ve certainly, we’ve seen – poured what we think are hundreds of fighters into that area, but they certainly don’t have control of the area and the Iraqi Security Forces remain very active in that area.

QUESTION:

I believe the Government is very interested in your advice on how long training the Iraqi security forces and the Australian mission will take; the likely timeframe. What are you telling Government on that, broadly?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

It’s still very early days, so our special ops guys are only been in there [sic] for about the last week, so it will take us more time to understand, even for those who we are working with, how much work they need to get to a level to be more successful. We’re only seeing a part of the Iraqi Security Forces, clearly there are many more of them. That will become a joined up coalition view, but we’re not yet there in order to have that clear understanding, it would be…

QUESTION:

[Interrupts] Likely years still?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

It’s certainly going to be months to bring them up, but depending – if you look at the full scale that the Government of Iraq might wish to have its security forces operating in, that could be much longer than that.

QUESTION:

Are our surveillance aircraft, the Wedgetail, is that being used to assist airstrikes only over Iraq? Or is it being used to assist some of the coalition strikes over Syria?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Only over Iraq.

QUESTION:

Do you have a ballpark date – sorry Brendan – on when the Iraqis might be ready to try and retake a city like Mosul?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

No, I don’t yet. I think that there would need to be significant planning around that. And some – I mentioned that we’re seeing pockets of resistance. It will be both potentially actions that are occurring within the communities in Mosul, supported by Iraqi Security Forces, but I don’t have a clear timeframe yet for when that might occur.

QUESTION:

The estimates of the numbers of ISIL personnel have sort of ranged from relatively small, round the many hundreds back when Mosul was taken, and seem to have increased up to 30,000 or so. Do you have a current estimate of the numbers of fighters they have and whether their numbers are actually declining or increasing still?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

It has been very difficult to establish precisely because we don’t have – and the coalition doesn’t have troops on the ground. So our ability to have that clear insight into the numbers is difficult and it – we’ve seen some confusion between what might be an ISIL fighter and what might be Sunni militia that have either been co-opted or coerced to be fighting alongside them. So that – I’ve seen numbers in the thousands of ISIL fighters, potentially supported by thousands of Sunni militia but it isn’t exactly clear to us how many there are. But I expect it’s in the [*] thousands.

QUESTION:

And what are the chances of the Sunni militia rising up generally? Some have and they’ve suffered for it. Is there are chance of a general uprising among the Sunni tribes?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Too early to tell yet. It has occurred in pockets and they have suffered – I think what we’re seeing in some areas where ISIL is attempting to govern, they haven’t done it well and that’s caused the community to fracture; whether they can’t get food or electricity provision in those areas is not being managed, so the community is increasingly started to disassociate themselves from it. But it does also require a degree of support from the Iraqi Security Forces, so it’s the – they’re not imperilled and slaughtered as we have seen some of the communities out to the west of Baghdad have been.

QUESTION:

Some international commentary says that the Government in Baghdad isn’t doing enough at the moment to reach out to the Sunni tribal leaders. What’s your assessment of that; how’s that going?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Yeah, I think it is early days there too. The Government does appear to look more inclusive. I’m sure that Sunni militia would be looking for clear evidence that that’s the case, so I think the steps are in the right direction, but they don’t appear yet to be sufficient enough for those who are highly sceptical, based on years of observation of the previous Iraqi Government and the way they were treated – I think they will need some fairly clear and compelling evidence to indicate that there’s a general change in the tide from the central government in the way they’re going to treat the Sunnis in particular.

QUESTION:

Why are we doing air drops in Mount Sinjar again? I was sort of left with the impression that most of the people had managed to get off there previously.

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Well some stayed and chose to stay after the activity, partly because I think they thought it was safer in that area than some of the regions around Sinjar. But they have had limited access to food and water and the winter in that region is a tough winter to go through; so it’s just providing enough to the group that remain, with certainly not anywhere near where we were months ago, where we had tens of thousands believed to be on the mountain and seeking to get off. This group isn’t seeking to get off, they’re just seeking support to be able to sustain life in that area.

QUESTION:

How many people are still up there, do you know?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I don’t have the exact numbers – Joe I don’t know if you’ve seen that…

VINCENT IERVASI:

No, I don’t, but I guess another point about the air drops has been, it’s not just Australia doing the air drops. So there’s been the multinational coalition doing air drops; in fact, we’ve been part of the coordinated air drop effort over a number of days. In fact, the Iraqi Air Force themselves have also been conducting humanitarian air drops into Mount Sinjar.

QUESTION:

Are you able to give us any more detail – you mentioned an attack on a complex, a bunker complex or an underground storage complex. Sounds fascinating, but – so what happened? An observer, or one of the weapons officer…

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Joe would you like to talk through that?

VINCENT IERVASI:

Yeah, thanks sir.

QUESTION:

When it was and where it was.

VINCENT IERVASI:

So it was in the vicinity of Kirkuk and one of the tasks of the fighters while they’re on combat air patrol is either they’re on a deliberate target, or they’re actually conducting their own level of surveillance as well. It just so happened they were monitoring a number of movements on the ground and with the TV and infra-red pod that we carry on the Super Hornet – so both a day-TV camera and a heat-seeking night camera – they were able to track individuals moving into what appeared to be mountainous area and then those contacts are seen to disappear. So that would indicate that they’ve gone into somewhere. On subsequent investigation, that was confirmed to be a series of tunnels, which then led to a subsequent, deliberate targeting effort.

QUESTION:

With what, with some sort of bunker-busting bombs, or..?

VINCENT IERVASI:

Well there’s a range of weapons – certainly the weapons that we are carrying there at the moment do have a level of capability against caves, so it’s got a lot more to do with your approach angle, the weapon impact angle. There are other nations that are flying that have – I guess, for want of a better term – bunker-busters; so they’re weapons with a hardened case that allows a deeper penetration. So that’s the nuts and bolts of, I guess, air strike.

QUESTION:

Would this have happened at night, all this activity, or daytime? Our people using equipment that spotted them at night, or..?

VINCENT IERVASI:

Well, we’re flying at all stages, both day and night. Predominantly, the Super Hornet and our level of training is well-equipped to operate at night, so predominantly we’ve been moving into the night arena and that’s where the infrared targeting pod provides a distinct advantage as well.

QUESTION:

And sorry – but would these people have known they were being watched? Or would our people have been too high for them to have heard them?

VINCENT IERVASI:

They certainly would have been, most likely, too high to be heard, but I guess that’s the part of a permissive air capability; that’s part of the issues that ISIL has to deal with is they don’t know where the next strike’s going to come from.

QUESTION:

Sorry, the final strike – would that have been days or hours, or whatever after the initial spotting of them?

VINCENT IERVASI:

That final strike, I believe, was done within 24 hours.

QUESTION:

Can you actually angle the bombs in through the openings of caves, that sort of thing? You mentioned…

VINCENT IERVASI:

You can.

QUESTION:

Absolutely delighted to hear you have day-time and night-time infrared cameras on your Hornets; when might we see the output of it?

[Laughter]

VINCENT IERVASI:

Our…

QUESTION:

We discussed this thorny topic before. I know that we have a little more detail now, of course.

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Our approach on it hasn’t changed from our previous discussions.

QUESTION:

Would there have been any secondary explosions in those attacks?

VINCENT IERVASI:

I haven’t seen the weapons system video response of that one and certainly with bunkers at times, it’s difficult to ascertain. The explosions are generally confined underground. When we went for the improvised explosive device manufacturing factory, as described earlier, there were certainly a number of secondary explosions there because that was above ground and it was easy to confirm that that facility was being used for those devices. But sometimes you can see secondaries when you’re hitting a cave; sometimes you can’t. Depends on what’s stored underground and how deep underground it actually is.

QUESTION:

How far do they go back in? Are they recently excavated, or what are they?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I don’t think we’ve got that information [indistinct]…

QUESTION:

What impact, if any, is Secretary Hagel’s resignation going to have on the overall mission here and the overall strategy?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I don’t think it will have a significant impact. The military campaign, because it’s led by the Government of Iraq, that’s the lead issue for it – so the change in the US leadership, I think we’ll have to wait and see, but all of us are working in support of the Government of Iraq and its leadership hasn’t changed.

QUESTION:

[Indistinct] plans to relocate elements of the air task group away from AMAB?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

We have had a move of some of the capabilities due to runway works in one of the areas that we’re operating in. So we’ve recently moved some of them, but that’s partly just around some engineering activities that are occurring.

QUESTION:

That’s just the Super Hornets, is it?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

The fighters – they need the longer runway strip, so the fighters are aircraft that will first be suffered by any runway changes.

QUESTION:

When did that happen; how long’s that been?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

That movement between the two locations occurred over the last fortnight.

QUESTION:

Sorry, so the Super Hornets aren’t operating from…

DAVID JOHNSTON:

In our Middle East base, so we’re still operating in our Middle Eastern base, there’s just been a move from a location that’s about 100 or so kilometres from our base that we operate otherwise from. You recall the sensitivities that we have over that country and…

QUESTION:

Sure. It’s the same area?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

It’s in the same broad area, yes.

QUESTION:

You have an option to send two more Super Hornets; why would you need them?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

We remain comfortable with the rate of efforts. We’ve got six there, the eight was if we needed to have more capacity and depending on how our ability to stay in the aircraft while deployed – that’s going well at the moment, so it remains an option but there’s not the need to do so.

QUESTION:

And apologies, you’ve probably told me this, but the – roughly when did that attack on the cave complex near Kirkuk happen? Was it a week ago, a day ago…

Four airdrop missions have delivered more than 32 tonnes of humanitarian aid stores including water, tents and blankets to the beleaguered Iraqi civilians who will face harsh winter temperatures in the coming months.

The sorties were conducted between Thursday, 20 November and Sunday, 23 November 2014 (Iraq time) using Iraqi-supplied stores prepared by coalition forces at Erbil airbase in northern Iraq.

Commander of Australia’s Joint Task Force Headquarters in the Middle East Major General Craig Orme said Australian forces were ready to contribute to any further humanitarian aid missions, particularly in the lead-up to winter.

“These airdrops will help support local Iraqis and are a result of careful planning by the taskforce and our coalition partners,” Major General Orme said.

Australia’s contribution in Iraq continues to be coordinated with the Iraqi Government, regional countries and international partners.

Operation OKRA is the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to the international effort to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist threat in Iraq.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/25/australian-humanitarian-aid-drops-continue-in-northern-iraq/feed/Noise monitoring at childcare centreshttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/25/noise-monitoring-at-childcare-centres/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/25/noise-monitoring-at-childcare-centres/#commentsTue, 25 Nov 2014 04:22:19 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7185Defence has informed parents at RAAF Bases Amberley, Darwin and Williamtown childcare centres of an emerging body of international research into the potential effects of noise exposure and children’s health and wellbeing.

As part of Defence’s commitment to providing accurate information on aircraft noise, Defence will now conduct specialised noise assessments at the three bases to help parents to be better informed.

Defence’s senior physician in occupational and environmental medicine Dr Ian Gardner said: “Our continuing noise monitoring program shows that Defence meets Workplace Health & Safety standards for adult exposure to aircraft noise, however there is some emerging research which indicates children may be more sensitive to noise than adults.”

Group Captain Richard Lennon, Director Combat Capability said that most research into noise exposure focused on adults.

“The new research is inconclusive and there are no internationally accepted standards for children,” GPCAPT Lennon said.

“Although any possible effects on children who have attended the centres are likely to be small – and there have been no reports from parents of hearing loss or cognitive processing difficulties – it is a prudent and conscientious decision to advise parents of this research.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/25/noise-monitoring-at-childcare-centres/feed/HMAS Success deploys to Middle Easthttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/23/hmas-success-deploys-to-middle-east/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/23/hmas-success-deploys-to-middle-east/#commentsSat, 22 Nov 2014 23:35:15 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7155After months of preparation, HMAS Success departed Garden Island in Sydney today for a six-month deployment to the Middle East Region to provide logistic support for coalition forces as part of Operation MANITOU.

Senator the Hon Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, representing the Minister for Defence, and Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer, CSC and Bar, RAN, joined family and friends on the wharf to farewell the ship, which will spend Christmas on operations.

Commanding Officer Success, Captain Justin Jones, RAN, said while the auxiliary oiler’s focus will be different to frigates previously deployed on MANITOU, their contribution to global security will be just as important.

“Over the next few months, Success will conduct essential maritime support, underway and vertical replenishment operations as part of the Australian Defence Force contribution to maritime security in the region,” Captain Jones said.

“As part of a broader taskforce, we will deliver fuel and stores to various units, enabling them to remain at sea on the job.

“The ship’s company of 235 has worked hard to prepare for this mission and is looking forward to Success once again supporting operations in the Middle East Region.

“The ship has already had a big year supporting Operation Southern Indian Ocean and Exercise Rim of the Pacific. Our family and friends’ support has been important in keeping us focused on the tasks for which we have trained. We will miss them dearly while we are away and look forward to celebrating with them once our job is done.”

This is Success’ second deployment and the 59th rotation of a Royal Australian Navy fleet unit to the region since the first Gulf War in 1990. Success will relieve Anzac class frigate HMAS Toowoomba, which will return shortly before Christmas.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/23/hmas-success-deploys-to-middle-east/feed/HMAS Toowoomba intercepts second drug shipmenthttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/22/hmas-toowoomba-intercepts-second-drug-shipment/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/22/hmas-toowoomba-intercepts-second-drug-shipment/#commentsSat, 22 Nov 2014 00:25:31 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7153For the second time in 72 hours, Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Toowoomba has intercepted a suspicious vessel carrying a large cargo of heroin in international waters off the East coast of Africa.

On 20 November 2014 the Australian warship discovered 324 kg of heroin, with an estimated Australian street value of $129.6 million, hidden in a dhow.

Commanding Officer Cath Hayes said her team in Toowoomba had done a highly professional, efficient and effective job making two heroin busts in 72 Hours.

“I am extremely proud of the combined efforts of each of the 191 members of Toowoomba’s Ship’s Company in achieving these recent two drug interdictions,” she said

“Once again our colleagues at Combined Task Force 150 and the Combined Maritime Forces worked with us making sure we were in the right place at the right time to strike and that is what we did recovering approximately 324 kg of Heroin.”

This is the second significant drug haul conducted by Toowoomba in the past three days.

Major General Craig Orme, AM, CSC, Commander Joint Task Force 633, congratulated the crew of HMAS Toowoomba on the seizure.

“Two hauls of this size in quick succession by HMAS Toowoomba demonstrates that the team works. Commander Cath Hayes and her crew have worked tirelessly with their coalition counterparts at Combined Maritime Force to maintain tactical patience to achieve operational success,” he said.

“Toowoomba’s 72 hours of drug seizures have resulted in over 712 kg of heroin with an estimated street value of almost AUD $285 million which is a significant disruption to the international drug trade and the subsequent flow of financial revenue to terrorist organisations. This is an excellent outcome for Toowoomba as the crew near the end of their deployment.”

Since September 2013, Toowoomba and her predecessor ships HMAS Melbourne and HMAS Darwin have seized drugs in excess of $AUD 3.508 billion in street value.

Petty Officer Craig Phelps, one of the members of Toowoomba’s Boarding Party, said the team executed a text book search of the suspect vessel which was both efficient and effective.

“The boarding was a fantastic effort from all involved, from the interdiction of the suspect dhow to the search and seizure of the narcotics, the whole process went off without a hitch.
The end result was the seizure of 324 kg of heroin that will not reach the streets” he said.

The drug seizure is part of a determined multi-national campaign to disrupt drug smuggling in the Indian Ocean, profits from which provide funding for known terrorist organisations.

Operation MANITOU, as part of Joint Task Force 633 (JTF633), is the Australian commitment to the Combined Maritime Force which contributes to the Indian Ocean’s security and the trade which flows through it which is important to global, regional and Australian strategic interests.

Commander Cath Hayes is the first female to command an Australian warship operating in the Middle East.

White Ribbon Ambassador and Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin said this important campaign was focused on changing attitudes and behaviours that lead to and perpetuate men’s violence against women.

“On White Ribbon Day this Tuesday, 25 November, I encourage all Defence personnel to reflect on the message of White Ribbon and to recite the oath to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.”

ACM Mark Binskin confirmed Defence had signed up to the White Ribbon Pilot Workplace Accreditation Program noting the aims of the campaign align with Defence’s own cultural change and reinforcement program, Pathway to Change.

“In 2014 the Navy and Royal Military College Duntroon became accredited White Ribbon workplaces. The Army, Australian Defence Force Academy, and the Australian Civil Military Centre are undergoing accreditation now, with Air Force undertaking accreditation in 2015.

“Navy was the largest of the first 23 organisations in the world to be accredited as a White Ribbon Workplace—a significant achievement for Defence and a great demonstration by the Navy of their commitment to end violence towards women,” said ACM Binskin.

In the lead up to White Ribbon Day 2014, Defence has also held a wide range of events around Australia to highlight the cause. This included a bridge-to-bridge run in Canberra, a white paper boat race on Sydney Harbour, and cadets showing their support in a White Ribbon formation on the ADFA parade ground.

This weekend, ADF personnel will help staff numerous ‘Men in Uniform’ stalls alongside men from ACT Policing and Emergency Services, where visitors to the stalls can swear the oath and purchase merchandise to help raise funds for White Ribbon Australia.

On Tuesday, 25 November, at 7:30am, Air Force will conduct a flypast over Canberra in support of White Ribbon Day with two C-130J Hercules transport aircraft. One of the aircraft will feature a 4.6-metre tall White Ribbon on its tail during the flypast.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/21/defence-proudly-supports-white-ribbon-day/feed/Army named in top 50 leading organisations for womenhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/20/army-named-in-top-50-leading-organisations-for-women/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/20/army-named-in-top-50-leading-organisations-for-women/#commentsThu, 20 Nov 2014 05:59:17 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7144The Australian Army has been named one of the top 50 leading employers for women in a report published this month by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

Army was one of three Australian organisations recognised for its best practice efforts in increasing opportunities for women. Other companies recognised are from 13 Asia-Pacific countries, including the United States, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan and New Zealand.

The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO, said the result was a positive reflection on the work Army has done to increase the participation of women.

“For our Army to be recognised as a best practice Australian employer in the attraction and retention of female soldiers and officers is indicative of our continuing progress to be a truly inclusive organisation,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.

“This report recognises and validates the hard work undertaken by the thousands of men and women in our Army to increase the representation of women in our organisation.

“While we have achieved a great deal, we are still in the early stages. The APEC report recognises that we are making progress and I am tremendously proud of our efforts.”

The APEC project is a collaborative effort between Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the APEC Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy and public agencies from the participating APEC economies.

The project aimed to raise awareness of women’s economic contributions to business activities and contribute towards greater opportunities for women to take on more leadership roles and to be further included in economic activities.

To achieve this, approximately 50 exemplary companies and organisations from APEC economies were selected to share their efforts in increasing opportunities for women with stakeholders in APEC economies and beyond.

Being recognised as one of the 50 Leading Companies for Women marks a waypoint in Army’s journey towards becoming a more inclusive organisation. This acknowledgment confirms that Army is emerging as an internationally recognised leader in advocating for equality and inclusivity within the workforce.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/20/army-named-in-top-50-leading-organisations-for-women/feed/Meeting with Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forceshttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/20/meeting-with-commander-of-the-indonesian-national-armed-forces/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/20/meeting-with-commander-of-the-indonesian-national-armed-forces/#commentsThu, 20 Nov 2014 03:27:55 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7142Over the last two days the Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin met with his Indonesian counterpart, the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces General Moeldoko, to hold the second annual Australia Indonesia High Level Committee.

Air Chief Marshal Binskin said Indonesia was an important regional defence partner for Australia for reasons of mutual interest and geographic proximity.

“As neighbours we share a common interest in the stability of our region and confront many of the same security challenges; including maritime security, terrorism and transnational crime. It is important that we continue to work together to effectively counter these threats,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

“Our bilateral defence relationship has proven resilient over time, founded on close people-to-people links. These links are strengthened by a broad range of activities, including over 150 training positions offered to Indonesian military officers each year.

“Australia remains committed to a broad based, long term defence relationship with Indonesia, and we look forward to a busy engagement program in 2015”.

During their meetings, Air Chief Marshal Binskin and General Moeldoko discussed their priorities for the bilateral military-to-military relationship, and agreed on a forward engagement program including joint exercises, student and instructor exchanges, policy and intelligence exchanges and a regular pattern of senior strategic dialogues.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/20/meeting-with-commander-of-the-indonesian-national-armed-forces/feed/HMAS Toowoomba in second drugs haulhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/20/hmas-toowoomba-in-second-drugs-haul/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/20/hmas-toowoomba-in-second-drugs-haul/#commentsThu, 20 Nov 2014 03:10:12 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7140Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Toowoomba has intercepted a vessel carrying approximately 388 kilograms of heroin, in international waters off the east coast of Africa.

The drug seizure on 17 November 2014 was part of a determined multi-national campaign to disrupt drug smuggling in the Indian Ocean, profits from which provide funding for terrorist organisations.

The heroin–with an estimated Australian street value of $155 million–was subsequently destroyed.

HMAS Toowoomba’s Commanding Officer, Commander Cath Hayes said the successful drug interdiction was a direct result of excellent intelligence and a well-executed search plan developed in collaboration with Australia’s international partners in the Combined Maritime Force (CMF).

“Our Pakistani colleagues at Combined Task Force 150 and the CMF worked with us to develop the plan that resulted in Toowoomba recovering the heroin,” CMDR Hayes said.

“The CMF teams ashore and on Toowoomba, provided key pieces of the puzzle that led to this intercept.”

This is the second significant drug haul for both Toowoomba and for Combined Task Force 150 since the Pakistan Navy took command of the maritime security and counter-terrorism mission on 14 August 2014.

Major General Craig Orme, Commander Joint Task Force 633, congratulated the crew of HMAS Toowoomba on the seizure.

“This interception demonstrates just how well the Toowoomba Ship’s Company and the Combined Maritime Force have collaborated to interrupt the international drug trade,” he said.

Lieutenant Neil Partridge, one of Toowoomba’s Boarding Officers, said the boarding team executed an efficient boarding and search of the suspect vessel.

“The whole team came together to achieve a fantastic result. The smugglers go to considerable lengths to conceal their cargo and it is a whole ship effort to exploit intelligence and really focus our search efforts,” he said.

On 18 September Toowoomba’s crew successfully intercepted, boarded and seized more than 5.6 tonnes of cannabis resin onboard a dhow 260km off the east coast of Africa in international waters.

Operation Manitou is the Australian Government’s contribution to the international effort to promote maritime security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East Region. An enhanced security environment ensures Australia’s safe and open access to the region while fostering trade and commerce.

The exercise aims to enhance coordination and cooperation between Australia, China and New Zealand in responding to unforeseen disasters that occur in the Asia-Pacific. This year the exercise is focussing on a maritime search and rescue response involving the Australian Defence Force, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and the New Zealand Defence Force.

Captain Michael Harris (Royal Australian Navy), Commander of the Australian Contingent, said exercise Cooperation Spirit will enable Australia, China and New Zealand to enhance their ability to work closely together. This builds upon the shared experiences gained during the search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in the Southern Indian Ocean.

“China, New Zealand and Malaysia were quick to provide maritime search aircraft and surface vessels in the search for MH370 in the Southern Indian Ocean – proving that there is a ‘cooperative spirit’ in our region in times of humanitarian crisis,” Captain Harris said.

Exercise Cooperation Spirit is a valuable opportunity to exchange lessons learned on an area of shared interest that has broader implications for the region.

“Developing defence relationships and practical defence cooperation with our Chinese and New Zealand counterparts, and with our regional partners, is key in positioning ourselves to better coordinate and work side by side in response to future search and rescue tasks and disasters in the region,” Captain Harris said.

The Australian Defence Force is committed to developing strong and positive bilateral defence relations with China through dialogue and practical engagement such as Exercise Cooperation Spirit.

Practical cooperation between our militaries plays an important role in building mutual trust.

The first iteration of this exercise was conducted as a humanitarian and disaster relief exercise in November 2011 as a bilateral activity between the Australian Defence Force and China’s Peoples’ Liberation Army in Sichuan Province.

Approximately 55 military personnel from the three nations will participate in the exercise which will take place at the Peoples Liberation Army – Navy Command College in Nanjing, China.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations – (02) 6127 1999
]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/20/maritime-search-and-rescue-an-asia-pacific-priority/feed/Letter from the Secretary of Defence to The Australianhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/20/letter-from-the-secretary-of-defence-to-the-australian/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/20/letter-from-the-secretary-of-defence-to-the-australian/#commentsThu, 20 Nov 2014 00:10:14 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7127This is the letter from the Secretary to The Australian in response to Nick Cater’s article on 18 November 2014, Shiny pants don’t need a pay rise.

Nick Cater’s 18 November article [Shiny pants don’t need a pay rise] is full of bile, prejudice and inaccuracies.

Amongst the many inaccuracies is the claim that the Defence People Group is a ‘division caught up in the prissy, moral crusades of our time and driven by the obsessions that bear little relation to the strategic purpose of Defence’.

The Defence leadership is committed to diversity. It is a commitment shared by both politically correct civilians and hard headed military leaders.

Organisations with high levels of inclusion and diversity are more effective. Those that do not commit to diversity condemn themselves to be second rate and uncompetitive.

Currently, 1168 Indigenous Australians are in the permanent and reserve ADF, and 209 are employed in the Defence public service. The Defence leadership, both civilian and military, is working hard to increase these numbers because we believe it is in the national interest.

Earlier this year the Department of Defence became the first Commonwealth Agency to exercise an exemption provision in the Commonwealth Procurement Rules in awarding a construction contract to an Indigenous-owned enterprise – Pacific Services Group Holdings Pty Ltd for a project worth up to $6 million at HMAS Waterhen in Sydney. We are proud of this achievement and hope it is not the only time the exemption provision is exercised by this Department.

For the same reasons we seek to employ more Indigenous Australians, we seek to employ more women and to develop workplaces which are inclusive and free of prejudice.

For many years Defence have employed people with disabilities from the not-for-profit Koomarri Jobmatch program. We have recently engaged HELP Enterprises in south-east Queensland to provide some administrative services at Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane. Tough and practical ADF commanders are active supporters of these programs. Through them we have seen young people with disabilities contribute to Defence, earn an income for the first time and gain some independence. We very much hope to be able to expand these programs over the next 12 months.

As the Secretary of Defence, I will continue to ensure that we give all members ofthe Australian community the opportunity to contribute to Australia’s defence in ways strongly supported by the ADF leadership. I am proud to lead those people in Defence who, in Nick Cater’s words, are ‘caught up in the prissy, moral crusades of our time’.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/20/letter-from-the-secretary-of-defence-to-the-australian/feed/Australian Defence Force completes monitoring of Russian Surface Task Group in the regionhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/20/australian-defence-force-completes-monitoring-of-russian-surface-task-group-in-the-region/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/20/australian-defence-force-completes-monitoring-of-russian-surface-task-group-in-the-region/#commentsWed, 19 Nov 2014 20:07:30 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7124Australian Defence Force vessels and aircraft have completed monitoring a Russian Surface Task Group that was operating in the Coral Sea to Australia’s north. The Russian ships did not enter Australian territorial waters and have now departed the Coral Sea.

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Binskin, said that the ADF monitoring activity was conducted professionally and was effective.

“We planned and conducted deliberate operations with Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion aircraft and monitored the flotilla with HMA ships Parramatta and Stuart,” ACM Binskin said.

“HMAS Sirius was positioned to provide logistic support and HMAS Sydney was in the south Queensland area to support G20 and assist with this activity if required.

“Russia declared its intention for vessels to travel to southern areas of the Pacific Ocean and their movement was consistent with the provisions under international law for military vessels to exercise freedom of navigation in international waters.”

ACM Binskin said the activity was completed professionally by both the Australian and Russian personnel.

“We made periodic radio contact with the Russian flotilla and this communication was conducted professionally and courteously by all parties and was consistent with normal maritime communication procedures,” ACM Binskin said.

As a matter of normal practice the ADF maintains an awareness of maritime activity in the approaches to Australia and regularly undertakes maritime surveillance patrols in these approaches. The ADF monitored the vessels in accordance with international law.

This activity is consistent with the Russian Federation Navy’s previous maritime movements ahead of major international events.

In 2009, Russian naval vessels were deployed to South East Asia for the APEC Conference in Singapore and in 2010 they were deployed to coincide with former Russian President Medvedev’s visit to San Francisco.

Defence will not provide further details about the conduct of monitoring activities.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/20/australian-defence-force-completes-monitoring-of-russian-surface-task-group-in-the-region/feed/Defence wraps up support to G20http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/18/defence-wraps-up-support-to-g20/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/18/defence-wraps-up-support-to-g20/#commentsMon, 17 Nov 2014 23:11:31 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7121The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has concluded its support to the G20 Leaders’ Summit following the successful conclusion of the Australian-hosted international event.

Some 2000 men and women from across the ADF provided support to the G20 Taskforce, the Queensland Police Service and other Government agencies as part of the overall security arrangements for G20 activities.

Defence personnel provided around-the-clock niche capability support to state and federal security agencies in the lead up to, and during, the G20 Leaders’ Summit, including:

– Royal Australian Air Force fighter aircraft, specialised command and control aircraft and aerial tanker support, as well as search personnel and explosive ordnance detection dogs.

The Commander of ADF Support to the G20, Major General Stuart Smith said the operation highlighted the flexibility and capabilities of the ADF.

“Defence has provided appropriate, dependable and closely integrated support to the G20 Summit,” Major General Smith said.

“This operation affirms the ADF’s place in the nation’s domestic security capabilities and builds on the reputation forged by Defence at other Australian-showcase activities such as the Sydney Olympic Games and the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

“The men and women involved can be justifiably proud of what they have achieved for the people of Brisbane and the nation as a whole.”

During the G20 period the ADF performed 2427 vehicle searches, conducted clearance searches at 21 major venues and hotels and conducted 76 air sorties of all types.

“We were pleased to welcome PNGDF-ME personnel onboard Broome during the exercise.

“Australia and Papua New Guinea both face challenges protecting our Exclusive Economic Zones. By spending time together at sea, we are able to share tactics, which enhances our ability to work together in maritime surveillance. It also builds trust and respect between our nations,” LCDR Kerrisk said.

As regional security partners, both nations have a common interest in working closely to ensure a safe, prosperous and peaceful region.

Broome has departed Port Moresby and is en-route to Australia.

Australia assists the PNGDF through the Defence Cooperation Program to be a capable, sustainable and professional regional security partner. Australia helps develop the PNGDF’s capability to secure its borders, contribute to United Nations and multilateral peacekeeping missions, to maintain stability and cohesion in our region, and cooperate with the Australian Defence Force in areas such as humanitarian and disaster relief.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/17/australia-papua-new-guinea-maritime-security-exercise-complete/feed/ADF supports the 2015 International Airshowhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/14/adf-supports-the-2015-international-airshow/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/14/adf-supports-the-2015-international-airshow/#commentsFri, 14 Nov 2014 02:00:02 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7106Defence is once again proud to be a major partner of the Australian International Airshow and Defence Exposition to be held at Avalon Airport in Victoria from 24 February to 1 March 2015.

The ADF will participate in the airshow by showcasing a wide range of contemporary Air Force, Navy and Army aircraft along with a number of static ground displays.

Representing the Chief of Air Force at the official media launch, Air Vice-Marshal Mel Hupfeld said next year’s airshow would pay tribute to the heroes of military aviation.

“In the lead up to the 100th anniversary of the Anzac landings, the airshow will give special recognition to commemorating more than a century of military aviation service to the nation,” AVM Hupfeld said.

“Since 1914, the ADF has operated more than 200 different types of military aircraft. We are proud of the courageous military air and ground crews of the past who maintained and operated these wonderful aircraft. Their service and sacrifice continue to inspire the men and women of today’s Defence Force,” he said.

A range of current Air Force aircraft are expected to participate at the airshow, including the F/A-18F Super Hornet multi-role fighter, C-17A Globemaster III heavy airlift aircraft, E-7A Wedgetail, KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft, and the Air Force’s elite Roulettes formation aerobatic team.

The Australian Army is expected to provide two Multi Role Helicopters (MRH-90 helicopters), two Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters (ARH Tigers), a M1A1 Abrams tank, a M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier, a Protected Mobility Vehicle and the elite Red Berets.

The ADF will also have major ground displays including military working dogs, the Air Force Band, the Federation Guard, an explosive ordnance display, an engineering display, and a mock up of the F-35A Lightning II.

Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Brown, AO, unveiled the new interpretative panels which illustrate aviation in the region from the early days of the city to the present.

“Canberra has been linked to military aviation from the very outset,” Air Marshal Brown said.

“In this distinctly Australian place, right next to the heart of the nation’s government, the RAAF Association has created a simple dignified monument.

“The displays at Memorial Grove honour the unique contribution to Australia and its way of life by our airmen.

“Displays are important to inspire our current members through reminding them of our rich history of service and sacrifice.”

The panels illustrate Australian war-time aviation, the development of RAAF Base Fairbairn, and its transition to the Canberra International Airport.

The display was developed by the ACT Division of the Australian Flying Corps and the Royal Australian Air Force Association to provide a permanent historical record of the significant linkages between aviation and Canberra.

The display was funded by the Federal Department of the Environment through the Your Community Heritage grant program, BAE Systems (Australia), Lockheed Martin (Australia), and the Canberra Airport Group.

Media contact:
Flight Lieutenant Mick McGirr – (02) 6265 2903 or RAAF.PA@defence.gov.au
]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/14/canberras-aviation-history-recognised/feed/Update on unacceptable behaviour incidentshttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/13/update-on-unacceptable-behaviour-incidents/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/13/update-on-unacceptable-behaviour-incidents/#commentsThu, 13 Nov 2014 05:04:57 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7102Two sailors have been found not guilty of inappropriate behaviour and another two await details of their punishment after pleading guilty to some of the charges they faced for their role in incidents alleged to have occurred on board HMAS Newcastle in 2011.

All sailors have been acquitted of the most serious charge which involved allegations of sexual intercourse without consent.

The decisions follow a public General Court Martial which commenced in Sydney on 1 September 2014.

Two sailors were found not guilty of having played a role in an act of inappropriate behaviour. A decision is yet to be made about what punishment will be applied to two other sailors who, earlier in the court martial, pleaded guilty to some charges.

At the time, then Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, AO, CSC, RAN, called for members of the Navy to maintain their vigilance and come forward if they knew of other instances of the alleged behaviour.

Further allegations were subsequently raised, relating to an incident in HMAS Melbourne in 2009, and were referred to the Australian Defence Force Investigative Service for review.

Charges have now been served on two other Navy members.

As this latest case is ongoing, Defence cannot discuss the specifics of the allegations other than to confirm it continues to treat all issues of inappropriate behaviour with the utmost seriousness.

Navy will continue to provide updates on the progress of these matters, when it is appropriate to do so.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/13/update-on-unacceptable-behaviour-incidents/feed/Defence Monitors Russian Naval Vesselshttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/12/defence-monitors-russian-naval-vessels/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/12/defence-monitors-russian-naval-vessels/#commentsTue, 11 Nov 2014 20:52:42 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7096Defence is monitoring Russian naval vessels that are currently transiting through international waters to the north of Australia.

In accordance with international law, Defence have been monitoring the Russian vessels.

The movement of these vessels is entirely consistent with provisions under international law for military vessels to exercise freedom of navigation in international waters.

Russian naval vessels have previously been deployed in conjunction with major international summits, such as the APEC meeting in Singapore in 2009. A warship from Russia’s Pacific Fleet also accompanied former Russian President Medvedev’s visit to San Francisco in 2010.

Questions regarding the vessels should be directed to Russian authorities.

Defence will not provide further details about the monitoring activity at this time.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/12/defence-monitors-russian-naval-vessels/feed/Chief of the Defence Force hosts Vietnamese counterparthttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/10/chief-of-the-defence-force-hosts-vietnamese-counterpart/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/10/chief-of-the-defence-force-hosts-vietnamese-counterpart/#commentsMon, 10 Nov 2014 03:34:38 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7094The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, welcomed Senior Lieutenant General Do Ba Ty, Chief of General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army to Canberra today at the start of a three-day visit to Australia.

ACM Binskin said defence engagement between Vietnam and Australia had developed significantly since the formal bilateral defence relationship began in 1998.

“Our two defence forces are working to foster closer cooperation through regular dialogue, senior-level visits and training on themes of mutual interest.

“Through the Defence Cooperation Program, Australia was pleased to provide English language and other specialised peacekeeping training prior to Vietnam’s inaugural peacekeeping deployment to South Sudan this year.

“We will continue to provide this training and conduct activities such as port visits when opportunities arise.

“Port visits and training activities designed to further enhance our maritime security engagement support our shared interest in maintaining maritime and aviation security as well as countering piracy.”

During their meeting, ACM Binskin and Senior Lieutenant General Do Ba Ty discussed ways to increase practical cooperation between the two defence forces.

During his time in Australia, Senior Lieutenant General Do Ba Ty will also visit the Australian Defence College and HMAS Stirling in Perth.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/10/chief-of-the-defence-force-hosts-vietnamese-counterpart/feed/Operation RENDER SAFE 2014 sets explosive ordnance disposal recordhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/10/operation-render-safe-2014-sets-explosive-ordnance-disposal-record/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/10/operation-render-safe-2014-sets-explosive-ordnance-disposal-record/#commentsMon, 10 Nov 2014 00:27:28 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7092The dangers posed by 16 tonnes of unexploded World War II ordnance have been greatly reduced for the remote community of Torokina on the Papua New Guinea island of Bougainville, following the conclusion of Operation RENDER SAFE 2014.

The Australian Defence Force led mission saw Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams from Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada and Solomon Islands searching for and safely destroying World War II era munitions.

Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force, Captain Jay Bannister, said Operation RENDER SAFE cleared 109 sites of 2293 items of ordnance that totalled more than 16000 kilograms of explosives.

Working with the Bougainville Police Service and in close consultation with the Autonomous Bougainville Government, the multi-national RENDER SAFE team destroyed the dangerous munitions that had threatened the Torokina community since the end of the war in 1945.

“It is the largest RENDER SAFE undertaken by the ADF,, not just in terms of explosives destroyed but the number of personnel involved — almost 500 in total,” CAPT Bannister said.

“We have received exceptional support from HMAS Choules and the people of the Torokina district in what has been an extremely complex, sustained amphibious operation.”

Launching from and supported by HMAS Choules, Operation RENDER SAFE was not only a multinational effort but also involved capabilities and specialist skills drawn from all three ADF services.

“The Army EOD technicians really came into their own dealing with the mine-field threat, which I believe is the first time Army have performed that task since the Vietnam war,” CAPT Bannister said.

“Royal Australian Navy personnel worked with the US Navy applying their skills to handling sea mines and underwater disposals while Royal Australian Air Force expertise was of great value when working with the air delivered weapons that were discovered.”

While RENDER SAFE’s focus is the removal and safe destruction of dangerous munitions, this year also provided an opportunity for the ADF’s Amphibious Task Group to be put through its paces in an operational environment.

Five months before the operation commenced, a small community engagement team worked with the Autonomous Bougainville Government to educate the local Bougainville people about the RENDER SAFE mission and the dangers posed by the unexploded ordnance.

“A lot of detailed planning went into this operation. The planners did a fantastic job and the execution of the mission has been a resounding success,” CAPT Bannister said.

RENDER SAFE is a continuing peacetime operational commitment to the people of the South West Pacific.

Media note:
Vision will be fed to Parliament House Press Gallery later today.

Sydney was undertaking escort duties for a convoy of First World War ships that departed Albany, Western Australia, on 1 November 1914, and was called to action when the German ship was discovered by wireless telegraphy operators on the Islands.

Vice Admiral Barrett said that Sydney’s victory was a boost for the Allies early in the war and foremost provided a victory for the young nation as it ventured off to the other side of the world.

“HMAS Sydney’s defeat of SMS Emden was and remains an important achievement in our history, as our first victory, our first demonstration of the Navy’s ability to fight and win at sea.

“The skill and determination shown by both ships’ companies during the action, and the compassion afterwards, forged a respect between two maritime nations.

“We must not forget the four Australian and 134 German sailors who died in the action, the 85 men wounded and the men forever changed by the events of that day.

“One hundred years on, I am honoured to share this moment of remembrance with the descendants of those courageous sailors from both sides,” he said.

The Governor-General presided over a ceremony unveiling a ‘friendship mast’ which carries a replica ship’s bell for each nation that bears the inscription, ‘Friends today, friends tomorrow, friends forever’, echoing the sentiments of Emden sailor Able Seaman Arthur Werner.

The activities in the Cocos Islands form part of the broader commemorative program for the Centenary of Anzac, marking 100 years of service and sacrifice by Australia’s military personnel since the start of the First World War.

Commemorative events were also held in Sydney and elsewhere across the country.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/09/action-between-hmas-sydney-and-sms-emden-commemorated/feed/ADF member injured in training exercisehttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/06/adf-member-injured-in-training-exercise/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/06/adf-member-injured-in-training-exercise/#commentsWed, 05 Nov 2014 21:33:53 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7087 Defence can confirm that an ADF member was injured during a G20 training exercise in Brisbane on Wednesday 5 November 2014.

The member received immediate first aid and was transported to a civilian hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

Defence will not be providing any further details of the member’s medical condition, their service history or the training exercise.

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/06/adf-member-injured-in-training-exercise/feed/Chief of Joint Operations and Director General Air Operations brief journalists on ADF operations in Iraqhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/05/chief-of-joint-operations-and-director-general-air-operations-brief-journalists-on-adf-operations-in-iraq/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/05/chief-of-joint-operations-and-director-general-air-operations-brief-journalists-on-adf-operations-in-iraq/#commentsWed, 05 Nov 2014 06:52:28 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7085DAVID JOHNSTON:
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. I’m here with Air Commodore Iervasi again to give you an update on operations in the broad – I will focus on Iraq, where I suspect your interest is, but I’ll talk through a range of operations that are currently underway in the ADF. But we’ve currently got two and a half – about two and a half thousand people deployed on operations globally in our region, and in our border area conducting our normal border operations. One of the activities I’ll come to which is a particularly important one at the moment, is Operation Render Safe. Where we’ve been working for a period in Bougainvillea now removing a significant quantity of explosive remnants of war from the Second World War.

But to Iraq first. The Iraqi Security Forces military campaign, which the coalition is supporting, continues to disrupt ISIL. And we are providing time for the Government of Iraq to build an inclusive government, and to regenerate its own military forces. We’ve welcomed recently the appointment of a defence minister and minister of the interior, and the swearing-in to Parliament of a number of Kurdish representatives. ISIL continues to exploit fear and intimidation. It doesn’t offer hope. It doesn’t provide safety, prosperity, or tolerance. Recently, the UN Security Council rightly condemned the ISIL attacks on Sunni tribesmen in the Anbar province, where you will have seen reporting of up to 300 people having been killed in mass graves and in water wells.

The air campaign continues. And it continues to deny ISIL the ability to have freedom of movement, to be able to mass their forces and to be able to conduct resupply of their fighters in the field. What we’ve continued to do is target their means of transportation, their heavy equipment, command and control modes, their logistic supply centres, in order to degrade and disrupt them. And where we can, to have an impact on their revenue generation, particularly through the mobile oil rigs. ISIL has tactical influence, but the Coalition maintains the strategic momentum with the 60 partner nations continuing to work closely together. For our air operations – and I’ll talk through each of the main types of air capabilities that we have deployed – over the period since we commenced air operations, our KC30, which are the air-to-air refuelling aircraft, have flown 33 sorties.

We’ve provided or transferred in the order of 2.5 million pounds of fuel, and since I last briefed you the types or numbers of aircraft that we are refuelling in a mission are increasing. So we had previously refuelled certainly our own aircraft, the French Rafael fighters, but we’re now also refuelling American Super Hornets, Marine Harrier aircraft, on a much more routine basis. Our E7 Wedgetail – that’s the early warning and control aircraft – has now conducted 24 missions. That aircraft, which is new to us, has been performing particularly well. And I’ll just offer Air Commodore Iervasi the chance to give you a short description of what that aircraft’s achieving and the reputation it’s forming through its missions.

JOE IERVASI:
Great. Thanks sir. So the E7 airborne early warning and control aircraft. This is the first time we have deployed it, along with the other newer capabilities we have. Its primary mission there is to provide airspace command and control of all Coalition aircraft assigned to operations over in Iraq, obviously during the timeframe that it’s airborne. It uses its radar, so the big surfboard looking thing on the top of it – that is an electronically scanned antenna. So it uses its radar to detect other aircraft operating in the airspace, obviously keeping tabs on the Coalition aircraft, ensuring that it can provide situational awareness to the crews. About – there are other aircraft in your airspace that are either unidentified, and they can step to a process of correlating those unknown tracks and providing the relevant advice and information to the crews. Plus it provides a command and control and coordination aspect, back to Central Command’s Combined Air and Space Operations Centre which has overall control of all operations; all air operations, within Iraq.

This includes the passing of detailed directions that come from the combined Air and Space Operations Centre, including targeting details. And those targeting details work in a virtual network that includes information passed back to the United States in a live timeframe, back to the Middle East for correlation, and then out to the aircraft live. So when a target arises, or is seen, a target of opportunity, it can bounce across three-quarters of the globe, and we can be striking that target within about 15 minutes. So it’s a pretty incredible network that we have to correlate effects there. Also the other part of the E7 provides – it’s a backup, I guess, communications hub, airborne there as well. And so based upon where aircraft might be operating on, it can actually provide a relay capability to keep everyone informed of what’s going on. And finally the most important role there is providing the coordination with the Iraqi security forces on the ground. To any situations they may be requesting airborne support. So it can provide the means of passing those details back, coordinating the aircraft on task. Reassigning the aircraft as required – if they’re on a different mission, to go and support, as has happened in the last few weeks – a situation where the Iraqi security forces have been under direct attack by ISIL and we’ve been able to dynamically re-task air assets, to provide them with the support.

DAVID JOHNSTON:
That’s a good segue for me then, just to give you an update on the airstrike operations that we have performed. And again, this is a [indistinct] since we commenced the conduct of air operations, but our Super Hornets have flown 89 sorties, accruing some 663 flying hours, which is a long time in an ejection seat. They’ve employed 27 laser or GPS guided 500-pound bombs, striking a number of ISIL targets. Twenty-five of those bombs have been dropped since, or over the last month. Fourteen targets have been hit by Australian aircraft, 11 confirmed destroyed, and three assessed as damaged. I’ll highlight just two areas in particular where we have been working. Some of our operations have included support to ground forces either approaching or operating in the vicinity of the Bayji Oil Refinery. I think I previously mentioned, it’s one of the major refineries in Iraq. It’s currently held by the Iraqi Security Forces in a highly contested environment. So we’ve provided support to the ground troops and to the force that has been closing into that area in order to provide reinforcement.

Another area that’s been very important – and you may have seen some reporting of this – but there is particularly in the Fallujah area where ISIL has been building berms in order to divert water from the Fallujah Dam. They have flooded a number of areas which has had a significant impact on the population in that area, but equally it impacts on the ability of Iraqi Security Forces to move into that area and conduct security operations. Downstream, the movement or loss of water has caused a reduction in power generation, and a lack of water that would otherwise be used for irrigation and potable water purposes. So very significant activity in terms of use of water as a weapon. A range of Coalition countries have been dealing with that. In part to destroy the berm, and to allow the water to flow in the direction that the dam should be holding it in. We’ve contributed to that, particularly in taking action against some of the heavy earthworking equipment that has been used to both create the berm and then to try to reinforce it after the damage that’s been caused. Different countries have opened that berm up.

For our Special Operations, who you’d recall conducting the advise and assist task – we have conducted that the negotiations around what the process is in order to meet the requirements of both the Government of Iraq and Australia – our force remains ready to deploy. We are in the last stages now of going through the arrangement’s in order to achieve that deployment, and I expect they will deploy very soon.

But more broadly, on Coalition operations, I’ll just give you an overview of the number of activities or sorties, that have been flown to date. And that’s up to 2 November. Almost 8000. Seven thousand nine hundred air sorties have been conducted against ISIL in both Iraq and Syria, which includes 437 strike missions. The nations involved that are working with us in Iraq include of course the US, France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Denmark, Canada, and the Netherlands. At sea, and we are active and have been for a long time in the Middle East region – the weather through the Gulf of Aden is approaching that season where the monsoon abates. That’s when those involved in drug smuggling exploit the weather conditions, and we expect again to see a rise in activity in the water areas.

HMAS Toowoomba is at sea, and I expect it will become busy in that area as the amount of traffic that’s moving through the Gulf of Aden down through the coast of Yemen and Somalia increases. I mentioned earlier that we have Operation Render Safe under way, which has been ongoing for about the last week and a half in Bougainville, an activity we’ve been planning for the last two years. Involves about 500 people from multiple countries, we have five international countries with us. It’s working in an area called Torakina, on Bougainville Island, that’s on the western side of the island. It was a very significant US airbase – had about 60,000 people operating there during the Second World War, with the Japanese not far from them. An enormous amount of munitions were stored there, significant fighting occurred in the area. To date, we’ve removed about 6000 kilos of high explosive. Everything from large sea mines that were left behind, through to some very densely populated defensive minefields, which have a particularly nasty form of mine in them that are now 70 years old and have caused enormous grief to the local community, since the end of the war. So they’re working with the New Zealand Solomon Islanders, the United Kingdom, the US and Canadians who are in what are extraordinarily difficult conditions. The weather’s been pretty difficult, it’s hot, it’s humid, and if you can imagine wearing a full protective suit when you’re trying to defuse and move explosives of this nature – they’ve done remarkable work. And have been very well received within the community.

Ladies and gentlemen, the last activity before you is our work in terms of preparing for the G20. The ADF is part of the national security support to that very important leaders’ meeting. We’re providing both air protection – our normal counterterrorism capabilities – and some risk or some search capabilities. Vehicle search, water search – we are very well prepared with our preparations and will be well in place to be able to support that meeting as it occurs through late next week and into the weekend. I’ll stop there, and happy to take questions from you.

QUESTION:
If I could just ask a question, Admiral, about the Special Forces on the ground [indistinct] last stages of achieving deployment. Does that mean that there’s been [indistinct] that are required [indistinct]?

DAVID JOHNSTON:
We have had a process – you’d be aware. The government of Iraq has asked that we not reveal the nature of the arrangement between the two countries. So I am limited in what I can explain in that part. But the process was identified – there were a series of administrative actions that we had to take. We are right at the final end of those, and that’s why I’m confident that the deployment will occur soon.

QUESTION:
[inaudible question]

DAVID JOHNSTON:
Yes. Well it’s helped that the government of Iraq is formed and they now have ministers in place to make the decisions that we’ve needed them to make. We’re now seeing the benefits of that.

QUESTION:
For those of us who’ve been saying they’re going to go in soon for the last two months – can you refine soon please?

DAVID JOHNSTON:
I am hopeful that within the next week, that we would achieve that.

QUESTION:
You made the point that you feel significant progress is being made against ISIL. Now, we’ve had a situation where there’s been this [indistinct] massacre of Sunni tribesmen. Who rose up against – [indistinct] or risen up against ISIL. Which is what was a key part of the strategy of our side. To encourage them to do that. It appears they got very little support, and now they’re paying a [indistinct] price for it. Is that – do you feel that you can still say that you’re making significant progress? And also, there’s been reports that ISIL’s been advancing further and further into Kurdish-held areas, towards [indistinct]. Is that happening? And what’s it mean in the broader picture?

DAVID JOHNSTON:
I would describe it as – in the north, there has been good progress made. And the movement of the Iraqi security forces up towards the township of Bayji and the refinery has been incredibly difficult. They’ve encountered [indistinct] IEDs, significant IED placements that have blocked their path. But they’ve made steady progress towards it. And are close to that refinery now. In the south, and you’d be aware that it’s a very important period for the Shi’a at the moment – the pilgrim festival is on, the Karbala. The Iraqi Security Forces are having to provide security to enable the pilgrims to move to Karbala for that period. And while there have been incidents. They have done that very well. In Kobani more broadly we’ve seen something of a stalemate there. Some morale-lifting activities with the Kurds – managing to get some of the Iraqi Kurds in there to provide support. And the ground being held relatively well. Some advances from the Kurds, but still a highly contested environment. The most difficult area remains out to the western provinces. And the western approaches to Baghdad. That’s where the recent atrocities did occur.

It is an area we’re aware the Iraqi Security Forces wish to do more. They’ve got to build the capacity to do it. That’s their key constraint.

They haven’t yet had the capacity to do as much in that western corridor up to the Syrian border as anyone would have liked. But that is why we need to give them time to build and regenerate forces.

QUESTION:
Vice-Admiral, the Attorney-General says that there are 15 Australians who’ve been killed by [indistinct] ISIL [indistinct]. Can you expand on whether or not the Australian airstrike operations that have destroyed 14 targets may have killed any of those 15 Australians?

DAVID JOHNSTON:
I’ve got no knowledge that would indicate that any of our airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of any Australians fighting with ISIL.

QUESTION:
So after these airstrikes, there’s obviously, you know, assessment of the impact of the airstrike. And you mentioned a [indistinct] being confirmed. What were those [indistinct] and Australians in those areas?

DAVID JOHNSTON:
I don’t know whether there were any Australians in there. The types of targets we’ve been engaged with in the [indistinct] some logistic bases. Where ISIL have cached weapons or there’s been logistics stores. And some ISIL heavy equipment that they have been using. And we do conduct battle damage assessment, that’s a large part of what Air Commodore Iervasi’s team do afterwards. But it’s much easier to assess the physical damage that’s occurred. The nature of the people that may have been fighting there as ISIL members, is much more difficult proposition to understand.

QUESTION:
In that damage assessment, are you able to work out if there’s are any fighters themselves destroyed, or just ammunition(*)?

DAVID JOHNSTON:
On occasion. So it depends on the particular target. On some occasions there aren’t any people there so it’s clear to us that it wouldn’t – that those strikes wouldn’t have caused deaths in themselves. But on other occasions, particularly where it may have been a logistics base, it is probable that there are people there.

QUESTION:
[indistinct]. Sorry, last question. In these 11 confirmed destroyed targets, have there been any deaths?

DAVID JOHNSTON:
Quite probably. But I haven’t got the numbers.

QUESTION:
Any civilian deaths? That you’re aware of?

DAVID JOHNSTON:
None that we’re aware of. And as we’ve spoken previously, we go to enormous lengths to ensure that we have a very good understanding of the collateral damage that may occur from the strikes. And there have been no instances I’m aware of that there’s been a potential for civilian deaths.

QUESTION:
[indistinct]. You said in the press release that’s coming out shortly that RAF personnel have played and led attacks against targets. Can you expand a little more on command and control?

DAVID JOHNSTON:
I’ll let Air Commodore Iervasi – one activity in particular where we were a lead, with a multiple-aircraft formation.

JOE IERVASI:
Yeah, thanks sir. So the circumstance that that is referring to was a particular mission where an Australian air crew and a formation of F-18s led a Coalition – what we call it is a package of aircraft – which included from other nations I won’t name in this forum. But it was a combined Coalition package which we had the lead for. Which was a deliberate strike against known ISIL training facilities in particular. And that was executed on target, on time. And I guess this is really a plug for the professionalism and the competency of the crew that we’ve actually put across there. Right across all three platforms, not just the F-18s, but certainly the airborne early warning and control crew, and the tankers as well. Our ability to have been able to integrate, you know – arguably seamlessly and quickly into a complex Coalition environment, essentially with two weeks’ notice, is extraordinary. And really pays testament to the years of training and exercise we do at very complex levels, that has enabled us to get up and fight very quickly.

QUESTION:
Are you able to say roughly where in Iraq that mission was [indistinct].

JOE IERVASI:
Northern Iraq.

QUESTION:
Admiral, on the issue of Australians fighting with IS. What difference would it make to your personnel if they were to become aware there were Australians involved with IS on the ground, in the area you were targeting? What difference would it make to the instructions, and what difference would it make to their response?

DAVID JOHNSTON:
In all our work, we’re looking to make sure that it’s military objectives. That we’re minimising the impact for those who are not involved in fighting. And if there was Australians that met those criteria, we would – the likelihood of us knowing that, Karen, is very low. But if we saw people that were fighting, they were a legitimate target, and the engagement authorities were there to do so. Then we would conduct the mission that we’d been sent there to do.

QUESTION:
Regardless of what nationality they were?

DAVID JOHNSTON:
Yes. Correct.

QUESTION:
Is that any different to any other mission previously? You [indistinct] in this mission, or is it the same [indistinct] are in place in Afghanistan?

DAVID JOHNSTON:
Very similar to other operations of this nature.

QUESTION:
[inaudible question]

DAVID JOHNSTON:
I’m not able to confirm that, only because I don’t know.

QUESTION:
You spoke of targeting revenue generation. Mobile oil rigs?

DAVID JOHNSTON:
Yes.

QUESTION:
Can you explain [indistinct].

DAVID JOHNSTON:
Yes, they’re a legitimate target in terms of – there are occasions where ISIL is drawing oil revenue off. They’re using mobile oil refineries in order to be able to sell it through the black market, largely. So it’s a target in terms of – it’s a revenue production for their purposes. And legitimate to us in terms of meeting the military requirements. So were we to be allocated to it, we would step through our normal processes of ensuring that it meets our requirements. And where it did so, we would be part of a strike package for it.

QUESTION:
Have you struck any?

DAVID JOHNSTON:
Other countries have. I don’t think we have.

JOE IERVASI:
No. We have not, sir. And a majority of those mobile refineries have actually been in Syria. So they’ve actually been struck by the US predominately, and other Coalition partners.

QUESTION:
Given that IS still has the capacity to [indistinct] at least temporary constructions – berms, you mentioned earlier. Even if [indistinct] they’re still in a pretty good position. What difference will the deployment of Australian forces and other nations’ forces make? Can you explain that [indistinct] the next step is pushing them back?

DAVID JOHNSTON:
So the strategy has always been around first, providing that support to disrupt ISIL and slow its momentum. And I think I’ve made the comment last time that you’d recall back in June, July, the talk was around then how quickly ISIL had advanced, and that Baghdad was under threat. If that rate of advance had continued, then we’d be dealing with a very different environment in Iraq to what we’re dealing with now. So the first part of the strategy has been to slow and disrupt the ISIL advance. And I think that’s where – we have not stopped the advance, but it’s certainly been disrupted in areas. The second part is now building the capacity of the Iraqi security forces. So the slow and disrupt was to give the government of Iraq time to form after their elections for the building of capacity within their security forces. That’s what our advise and assist mission – and that being performed by other nations is all about.

But a longer-term approach is around the broader security sector and reform work. But that is all to come. But we have been where the Coalition’s successful in slowing. Giving time for the government of Iraq. Our next step is around the advise-assist and helping building them, to enable them to go back on the offensive. And in localised areas, the Iraqi security forces have been on the offensive. The work they’re doing up through the north or to clear the southern areas down to Karbala for the pilgrimage has been an offensive. But it will clearly need to be on a much larger scale than has been achieved so far.

QUESTION:
Just to clarify exactly where the [indistinct] would be based and exactly who they’ll be working with. [indistinct].

DAVID JOHNSTON:
Who we’re working with will depend in part – and it will change during their time there. In the broad it is the counterterrorism services. They’re the Iraqi special operations equivalent. So our team will be working with them. It works well because it’s a like-for-like force. So we’ve got the skills sets and understand how they operate. But they’re also one of the most highly trained of the Iraqi forces. So we’ll be able to work with them and shore up their capabilities very quickly. We’ll be operating – the main base for us will be in Baghdad. So we’ll be operating from Baghdad. But where required and the forces deploy – we will deploy, as we’ve said previously, working at the battalion headquarters, or down to the battalion headquarters level – where that force or elements of the force go, we will go with them.

QUESTION:
And is there a time frame in relation to this deal that’s been made? In terms of how long we’ll actually be there?

DAVID JOHNSTON:
No.

QUESTION:
[inaudible question].

DAVID JOHNSTON:
I think the earlier announcement was in the order of 200 people. So it’s of that magnitude.

QUESTION:
[inaudible question]

DAVID JOHNSTON:
I think my view is we’ll see this occur in phases. So the early work was around that disruption effect and we’ve clearly caused ISIL to change the way it operates. The inability to mass forces or to be able to use some of the open lines through Syria in the way they had. So that part is ongoing. And they’re changed – the way ISIL is changed means that less targets present themselves. But also means they’re less able to progress their objectives. What I anticipate is that as the Iraqi security forces do go on the offensive. ISIL will have a choice then. They’ll either have to move and get out of the way, and they’ll present a target when they move. Or they’ll have to stay and fight, and they’ll present a target to ground forces when they stay and fight. So what we’ll see as the offensive activities start progressively to occur is the types of targets and the opportunities that are presentable change.

QUESTION:
Important there to understand how targeting – the targeting priorities occurring. And the way I’d best describe it, and I’ll offer Air Commodore Iervasi, who was recently in the command Air Operations Centre working these issues – all the information gets pooled in together. So you can imagine there’s target priorities are develop multi-sources of both intelligence fused together. In order to gain the best understanding of what’s occurring. And then work through a military priority list. So information that might be available, where it could be used, would be added to the great [indistinct] of information that’s available. In order to help identify where priorities would be. Do you want to expand just a little on how the targeting process and prioritisation works?

JOE IERVASI:
Yeah, thanks sir. So broadly speaking, a campaign plan is developed for the defeat of ISIL. Within that campaign plan will be broad objectives about the types of things our forces want to do in conjunction with the ISF to disrupt deny, degrade and ultimately defeat ISIL. So within that there’ll be themes and types of target sets that a whole bunch of our targeteers(*) and intelligence staff will come together and work out. What are the things that will shape and influence and deny ISIL’s freedom of manoeuvre. So there’ll be a package of work which prepares targets that might be option sets for later on to shape the campaign. And that will be what we call an all source intelligence product that’s developed. Not only from military sources, but all national sources fed into that. Once a whole bunch of targets are suggested, they have to go to what’s called a target validation board. So it goes up to the various higher levels. So it’s not a whole bunch of guys and girls down at the lowest levels saying I’ve got a good idea, why don’t we go blow up a mosque.

The answer is no. We need to validate them as valid military objectives. They actually contribute to the campaign; they’re part of the theme about how we’re going to provide discriminate and proportional force to degrade and destroy ISIL at the end of the day. So once they’re validated, they’ll then be allocated and they can be allocated to aircraft or to ground forces, to strike, as well.

QUESTION:
[inaudible question]

DAVID JOHNSTON:
I’ve got no comment on the Senator’s view. Except Memorial Day is a very important occasion for us, where we remember both friends and colleagues that we have operated with, and all those who have preceded us.

QUESTION:
[inaudible question]

DAVID JOHNSTON:
No, and the intent was always that up to eight – the six aircraft that we’ve deployed are able to meet the rate of effort that we want to be able to generate. The two provide a reserve capacity which could quickly be moved if we had a need to do so. But we’re very comfortable with the rate of effort we’re achieving at the moment.

QUESTION:
Are you fighting(*) anti-aircraft fire or equipment [inaudible]?

DAVID JOHNSTON:
Nothing, certainly, within the Iraqi airspace where we’re operating, no. We are aware, though, of small arms or light anti-aircraft machinery, [indistinct], so. The threat we understand is there. But if your question is have we observed it in our own operations, no.

QUESTION:
I won’t take the last question, but if I can just extend my one. Have you thrown up a red card on any operations? Can you give us any more detail about the rate, the proportion of operations that you’re flying where you actually do attack targets? And what the environment is? What ISIL’s strategy seems to be? Are they hiding it effectively?

DAVID JOHNSTON:
To answer part of your questions – the national process of approving targets. That just occurs every day, and as we’ve said, at every level. Right from, as Air Commodore Iervasi described, is nations look through the target sets and work through which ones might be valid under our various authorities. So that approval process or vetting process which the red card is one of the descriptors for, is a daily event. But in terms of aircraft up and making a judgement of it, we’ve not found ourselves in a position to my knowledge where the air crew have said, we’ve got a target but it’s not suitable for us to strike on this occasion. But in terms of your broader question of how many occasions; we’ve flown not every day, but with the exception of a few days right throughout that month period, the statistics give you a sense of how often we might be delivering weapons. And it is very much a day by day proposition. We’ve had periods where aircraft have returned for four or five days, and we haven’t struck a target, and then we’ll have a whole series in a couple of days, just because of the circumstances they’ve found themselves in.

QUESTION:
You said that the Australian aircraft are refuelling American aircraft. Are those American aircraft then going and carrying out strikes against Syria?

DAVID JOHNSTON:
Where we’re refuelling tends to be around central Iraq and southern Iraq. But it is possible in nature, and I wouldn’t preclude it. Aircraft can get dynamically retasked in flight. So while they may be planned to operate over Iraq, if they were retasked and they had the authority to operate elsewhere it’s quite possible that they’d do so.

QUESTION:
[inaudible question]

DAVID JOHNSTON:
Working at the battalion headquarters, it is an advise and assist role. But they will carry weapons for self-defence purposes. And that would be the normal long arms or short arms that they would carry with them. And potentially depending on – we would evaluate, I mentioned those occasions where we may go to a forward operating base, we’ll do a risk evaluation of the circumstances at that base, and they may take heavier equipment with them, to be able to be used, to defend themselves if required. So very much dependant on where their partner force is operating and the risk levels associated with it.
So we’re not on patrol with them in the sense of going out to engage directly with ISIL forces – that’s not what we’re there to do.

DAVID JOHNSTON:
We’ll take the last question.

QUESTION:
[inaudible question]

DAVID JOHNSTON:
So we will have a radar head operating to assist with airspace surveillance. There will be Hornets available with supporting aircraft available to provide coverage overhead when we need it. But largely fighter aircraft are the protective mechanism with all the normal supporting elements around them to make them effective.

JOE IERVASI:
That’s right. So we’re actually – we have been practicing and in fact these next few days there is live flying exercises going on west of Brisbane. And then early next week there’ll be flights over Brisbane just for the final rehearsal, leading up to the actual arrival of the leaders.

DAVID JOHNSTON:
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much.

* * End * *

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/05/chief-of-joint-operations-and-director-general-air-operations-brief-journalists-on-adf-operations-in-iraq/feed/RAAF Base Woomera lifts offhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/05/raaf-base-woomera-lifts-off/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/05/raaf-base-woomera-lifts-off/#commentsWed, 05 Nov 2014 02:02:27 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7083The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown, AO, today announced changes to the management of the Woomera range and its associated facilities. From January 2015, the entire Woomera capability will be termed the ‘Woomera Range Complex’, comprising both the Woomera Test Range and the newly established RAAF Base Woomera.

“The reorganisation of the Woomera Range Complex will bring the facility into line with other Defence establishments and will allow the outstanding work done at Woomera to continue well into the future,” Air Marshal Brown said.

“Woomera provides a significant capability to the Australian Defence Force, Australia and its strategic partners.”

There will be no access changes to the Woomera village or the Olympic Dam – Pimba Road for members of the public and private leaseholders within the village. Nor will there be any change to non-Defence users’ access to the Woomera Prohibited Area.

The Woomera Test Range includes:

– Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA), the large land mass weapons range used for the testing of war materiel.

– Woomera Restricted Airspace, the restricted airspace above the WPA.

– Woomera Camp Rapier, the secure garrison support and specialised training compound within the WPA.

– Nurrungar Test Area, the small specialised testing area just outside the WPA.

Commander Aerospace Operational Support Group, Air Commodore Stephen Osborne, CSC, highlighted the range of advanced testing that occurs at Woomera.

“Woomera is the recognised home of military Unmanned Aerial Systems testing in Australia and it is fast becoming the destination of choice for our partners across the full spectrum of test and evaluation,” Air Commodore Osborne said.

“For example, the British Ministry of Defence project Taranis successfully flight trialled its advanced unmanned combat air vehicle at Woomera in August last year.”

The Woomera Range Complex will continue to be managed by Air Force in accordance with the requirements of the Defence Act and Woomera Prohibited Area Rules.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/05/raaf-base-woomera-lifts-off/feed/ADF operations in Iraq: RAAF plans and leads attacks on ISILhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/05/adf-operations-in-iraq-raaf-plans-and-leads-attacks-on-isil/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/05/adf-operations-in-iraq-raaf-plans-and-leads-attacks-on-isil/#commentsWed, 05 Nov 2014 00:33:17 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7081Australian Defence Force support to coalition air operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) have continued at high tempo.

Since September, the Australian Air Task Group (ATG) has flown 144 sorties providing close air support and air interdiction for the Iraqi Security Forces as well as deliberate and dynamic targeting of ISIL command and control facilities, military equipment, transport vehicles, as well as logistics and training compounds.

The Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral David Johnston, said the ATG had been operating at high tempo for the past month, contributing to the degradation of ISIL capability.

“Kinetic strike operations provided by coalition aircraft in support of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) are slowing ISIL’s progress. While some areas in the west and north are being contested by ISIL, with gains and losses by ISF and Kurdish Peshmerga forces, ISIL capability continues to be hit hard,” he said

In October, ATG F/A-18F strike aircraft used 25- 500lb laser and GPS guided weapons, damaging and destroying a large number of ISIL targets. To date, coalition strike operations in Iraq total 437.

In a first for the ATG, Royal Australian Air Force personnel have planned and led attacks against ISIL targets in Iraq.

The Director General Air Operations, Air Commodore Joe Iervasi, said the ATG had risen to the challenge in coordinating a large number of fighter aircraft from several nations.

“Responsibility to lead a large multi-national force conducting a strike mission in Iraq is recognition of the exceptional skills and professionalism of Australia’s ATG personnel,” AIRCDRE Iervasi said.

“The mission was a great success. Every weapon was on-time, and on-target. Key ISIL facilities used to mount attacks on the people of Iraq were destroyed.

“I remain absolutely confident in the skill and professionalism of the whole team; Australia should be proud of its Air Force personnel,” he said.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/05/adf-operations-in-iraq-raaf-plans-and-leads-attacks-on-isil/feed/Major clean up of explosives in Bougainville under wayhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/02/major-clean-up-of-explosives-in-bougainville-under-way/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/02/major-clean-up-of-explosives-in-bougainville-under-way/#commentsSat, 01 Nov 2014 23:45:42 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7058An Australian Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team has already made safe more than 6000 kilograms of World War II munitions during the first week of Operation RENDER SAFE 14 in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea.

An international team of 60 EOD experts, led by members of the Bougainville Police Service and Australian Defence Force personnel, has found a former WW II defensive position complete with fighting pits containing scores of unused munitions.

The focus of Operation RENDER SAFE 2014 is Torokina where grounds, villages and community gardens remain contaminated by unexploded ordnance.

The town was the site of fighting between Japanese and Allied forces, and was an air base for the Allies during World War II.

Operation RENDER SAFE 2014 Commander, Captain Jay Bannister, says his team is getting on with the task of cleaning up the dangerous unexploded munitions.

“The operation has been months in the planning, involving both Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,” CAPT Bannister said.

“The people of Bougainville have been most welcoming and we have been working very closely with them to identify explosive remnants of war which pose a threat to local communities.

“We are particularly grateful for the continuing support from the Bougainville Police Service on building community awareness, and we look forward to their assistance in helping maintain community safety during the operation.

“We will be working very hard in the coming weeks to make Bougainville a safer place for generations to come,” CAPT Bannister said.

The sheer amount of ordnance left on the ground has surprised even seasoned EOD operator Warrant Officer Class Two David Austin.

‘They are mostly 2 inch High Explosive mortars and hand grenades, in varying conditions, left in place after the war. So it is really good for us to come back and do what we can to make this region less dangerous for the locals,” he said.

‘As well as helping the community this is a great training opportunity for the younger EOD guys. For the past 10 years we have been focused on the Middle East region but this gets us back to the grass roots fundamentals of our job,” WO2 Austin said.

HMAS Choules is supporting the operation and is carrying approximately 500 personnel, an MRH90 Helicopter and LCM-8 Landing craft.

Operation RENDER SAFE is an ongoing Australian Defence Force commitment to the people of the South West Pacific and this year is being conducted with assistance from EOD experts from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Solomon Islands.

Operation RENDER SAFE 2014 is the ADF’s enduring commitment to the removal of Explosive Remnants of War which continue to pose a potential danger to communities across the South West Pacific.

ADF personnel are participating at the invitation of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, and with the approval of the PNG National Government.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/02/major-clean-up-of-explosives-in-bougainville-under-way/feed/Albany ANZAC Commemoration reflects strong Defence ties with Japanhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/02/albany-anzac-commemoration-reflects-strong-defence-ties-with-japan/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/02/albany-anzac-commemoration-reflects-strong-defence-ties-with-japan/#commentsSat, 01 Nov 2014 23:08:20 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7056The participation of Japanese Murasame class destroyer JDS Kirisame in this weekend’s centennial commemoration of the first convoy of ships that carried ANZAC troops to World War I reflects the strong historical and growing military relationship between Japan and Australia.

“The convoy that carried 30,000 men from the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) departed from Albany in Western Australia on the morning of 1 November 1914 to sail for Egypt. Japanese cruiser, HIJMS Ibuki, joined the troop convoy two days after it departed Albany to provide escort support.

“This year JDS Kirisame and her crew of 165 are participating in the commemorative event marking one of the lesser known stories of Australia’s past defence cooperation with Japan,” Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs said.

Australia’s Defence relationship with Japan is strong and growing and includes recent combined operational service. In May 2005, the ADF deployed a Task Group to Iraq’s Al Muthanna Province to provide support and security for the Japanese Iraq Reconstruction and Support Group. This support enabled the Japanese troops to undertake thier important humanitarian, engineering and rebuilding tasks in Al Muthanna Province, until the conclusion of their mission in July 2006.

Since August 2012, two ADF personnel have been deployed to South Sudan to assist the Japanese contribution to the United Nations Mission to the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) mandate.

Commitment to the growing relationship was reinforced during reciprocal visits of Australian and Japanese Prime Ministers this year.

On 8 July 2014, Prime Ministers Abbott and Abe welcomed the recent growth and deepening of the bilateral defence and security relationship in support of international peace and stability. During this meeting, leaders agreed to enhance practical defence cooperation between Australia and Japan, including trilateral cooperation with our most significant strategic partner, the United States.

The recommendations agreed will also deepen the bilateral security and defence relationship through enhanced training and exercises, increased personnel exchanges, and cooperation on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, maritime security, peacekeeping, capacity building and trilateral security cooperation with the United States.

The two leaders decided to commence negotiations with a view to making an agreement that would reciprocally improve administrative, policy and legal procedures to facilitate joint operations and exercises. The leaders also signed the Agreement Concerning the Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology that will facilitate deeper cooperation between Australia and Japan through joint research, development and production of defence equipment and technology in areas of mutual interest, including hydrodynamics.

“Defence welcomes increased practical defence ties with Japan as we work towards our shared goals of international peace and stability. This is a key relationship for Australia and the participation of JDS Kirisame in the ANZAC commemorative event in Albany is a clear demonstration of our strong historic and current links,” Vice Admiral Griggs said.

Media Contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/02/albany-anzac-commemoration-reflects-strong-defence-ties-with-japan/feed/2nd Cavalry Regiment farewells Darwinhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/10/31/2nd-cavalry-regiment-farewells-darwin/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/10/31/2nd-cavalry-regiment-farewells-darwin/#commentsFri, 31 Oct 2014 07:15:18 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7053The 2nd Cavalry Regiment, which has called Darwin home for the past 22 years, has paraded for the last time at Robertson Barracks closing a proud chapter in the unit’s and region’s history.

Some 200 soldiers paraded before gathered dignitaries, colleagues, family and friends on the Regiment’s parade ground on 31 October, before symbolically marching off to Townsville.

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment will take up residence at Lavarack Barracks as the new Armoured Cavalry Regiment within Army’s 3rd Brigade.

Commanding Officer of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel James Davis said it was with some sorrow that the unit said farewell to Darwin.

“The 2nd Cavalry Regiment was welcomed by the local community and was rapidly adopted as Darwin’s own,” LTCOL Davis said.

“We have been farewelled and welcomed home from numerous operations overseas, adding to the military history of the region and that of the regiment.

“With this final parade at Robertson Barracks, we say thank you to the Darwin and Palmerston communities for the support they have shown us for over two decades.”

The unit, which arrived in the Northern Territory in 1992, was the first unit of the 1st Brigade to move from Holsworthy, west of Sydney, taking up residence in what was then called Waler Barracks.

By the time the 1st Brigade had completely relocated, the original barracks were incorporated into the greater Robertson Barracks as it is known today.

Commander of the 1st Brigade, Brigadier Mick Ryan said while it would be sad to see 2nd Cavalry Regiment leave the brigade, he looked forward to the next chapter in the unit’s history under Plan Beersheba.

“As the second of the new Armoured Cavalry Regiments or ACRs, the 2nd Cavalry Regiment will be important to the 3rd Brigade,” BRIG Ryan said.

“With Tanks, Australian Light Armoured Vehicles and Armoured Personnel Carriers, the Armoured Cavalry Regiment offers a level of striking power, mounted reconnaissance and protected mobility not readily available to the soldiers of Townsville in the past.

“The 2nd Cavalry Regiment has added greatly to the rich history of the 1st Brigade, it is now the 3rd Brigade’s opportunity to add to their own.”

During its time in the Northern Territory, the 2nd Cavalry Regiment has supported most of Australia’s significant deployments.

The unit served with distinction in East Timor in support of INTERFET in 1999 and UNTAET from 2000 to 2002.

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment led Al Muttanna Task Group One in Iraq in 2005 and supported the second Task Group rotation from 2005 to 2006.

The regiment also led Overwatch Battle Group Two and supported the third Battle Group from 2006 to 2007.

In Baghdad, the unit supported the Security Detachment with the Australian Embassy from 2003 to 2005, 2007 to 2009 and 2011.

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment also deployed to Afghanistan supporting Reconstruction Task Force One from 2006 to 2007, Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force rotations one and two from 2008 to 2010 and Mentoring Task Force Two from 2010 to 2011.

Media note:
Imagery will be made available on the Defence Image Gallery.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations: (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/10/31/2nd-cavalry-regiment-farewells-darwin/feed/ADFA 24 – The factshttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/10/31/adfa-24-the-facts/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/10/31/adfa-24-the-facts/#commentsFri, 31 Oct 2014 06:17:41 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7040The Australian Defence Force (ADF) rejects any assertion that it has not acted in response to historical allegations of abuse at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA).

The so-called ADFA 24 refers to 24 serious allegations of physical, indecent and sexual assault from 19 alleged victims identified in the 1998 Grey Review and later referred to in 2011 in the DLA Piper Report (Vol 1). The Defence Abuse Response Taskforce’s (DART) ADFA 24 referral to Defence was primarily based on analysis of historical records rather than individual complaints.

ADFA 24 involves 19 cases. The DART recommended no further action for six of these cases where it assessed they were managed appropriately at the time, the alleged perpetrators are unknown or unnamed, or there was no clear allegation of sexual assault. Importantly, in a number of cases, the DART did not recommend further action in line with the complainants’ express wishes.

Of the 13 remaining cases:
• 2 have been referred to the relevant Service Chief to consider possible action;
• 2 remain under consideration pending receipt of court or police records;
• 8 have been considered and no further action can be taken at this time because there is insufficient evidence to proceed; and
• 1 was not pursued in accordance with the complainant’s wishes.

Central to Defence’s response is respect for the complainants’ wishes and interests, a responsibility to do no further harm and the requirement to provide procedural fairness. Only five complainants have agreed to work with Defence.

The Chief of the Defence Force and the Service Chiefs are bound by the application of legal and administrative standards of proof. Adverse action of any kind against individuals must be based on evidence that satisfies the required standard of proof.

The ADF accepts that ADFA has not always provided an environment where all members were safe from sexual, physical and mental abuse. This is not acceptable. Nor is it acceptable for the reprehensible actions of some to taint the reputation, success and the achievements of the thousands of exemplary young men and women who have graduated from ADFA.

Addressing historical allegations of abuse in Defence is a difficult and complex issue affecting the lives of thousands of people. Defence is focused on supporting the victims of abuse and anyone with information about these matters is urged to come forward via the Defence website: http://www.defence.gov.au/ReportAbuse/

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/10/31/adfa-24-the-facts/feed/Defence ready to support G20http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/10/31/defence-ready-to-support-g20/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/10/31/defence-ready-to-support-g20/#commentsFri, 31 Oct 2014 03:22:05 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7038The Australian Defence Force is well prepared to support the Queensland Police Service and other government agencies associated with the G20 Leader’s Summit after participating in a training exercise in Brisbane this week.

ADF elements faced several security scenarios over three days in order to test command and control systems ahead of the G20 Summit in November.

The scenarios involved fictitious threats from the land, sea and air and included Defence elements in both Brisbane and Canberra.

Commander ADF support to the G20, Major General Stuart Smith, said each situation tested a different aspect of the G20 Command and Control structure.

“While Defence is playing only a supporting role in G20, we need to be ready to respond to a wide range of possible scenarios,” MAJGEN Smith said.

“Most importantly, the ADF needs to be able to work in cooperation with the Queensland Police Service and a variety of other government organisations. This means we need to understand how each operates and adapt accordingly.”

MAJGEN Smith participated in the exercise alongside senior ADF leaders and a range of ADF elements across the Navy, Army and Air Force.

“The outcome was very pleasing,” MAJGEN Smith said.

“It was a successful test for us and also improved our linkages with the Queensland Police Service and other agencies providing security to the G20.”

Some 2000 Defence personnel will contribute to the ADF’s support of the G20 Summit, including personnel from the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force. ADF force elements include clearance divers, pilots, explosive ordnance detection dogs and members of Special Operations Command.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/10/31/defence-ready-to-support-g20/feed/Victoria Cross recipients meet the Queenhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/10/30/victoria-cross-recipients-meet-the-queen/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/10/30/victoria-cross-recipients-meet-the-queen/#commentsWed, 29 Oct 2014 23:04:50 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7036Australia’s surviving Victoria Cross recipients, together with the parents of the late Corporal Cameron Baird, VC, MG, Mr and Mrs Doug and Kaye Baird, met with Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday (London time) as part of the 28th Victoria Cross and George Cross Reunion held biennially in London.

Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) Chief Executive Officer Mr Warren King said this milestone represents the excellent collaboration between the DMO and BAE Systems Australia, as preparations now begin for NUSHIP Canberra’s handover to the Royal Australian Navy.

“The voyage from Melbourne to Sydney will mark a milestone for the DMO by delivering the first ship of this kind to the Royal Australian Navy,” Mr King said.

“The hard work and dedication of all involved has been instrumental in this project being successful.”

The DMO accepted NUSHIP Canberra earlier this month and the ship is expected to arrive in Sydney in late October where she will berth at Garden Island before commissioning later this year.

Work continues to progress on the second LHD, NUSHIP Adelaide, and contractor sea trials are expected to commence in second quarter 2015.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/10/29/nuship-canberra-departs-melbourne/feed/Progress of the Queensland Coronial Inquest into Australian Combat Deaths in Afghanistanhttp://news.defence.gov.au/2014/10/27/progress-of-the-queensland-coronial-inquest-into-australian-combat-deaths-in-afghanistan/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/10/27/progress-of-the-queensland-coronial-inquest-into-australian-combat-deaths-in-afghanistan/#commentsMon, 27 Oct 2014 04:41:18 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=7032Defence continues to cooperate with the Queensland Deputy State Coroner in relation to his inquest into the circumstances surrounding the murder of three Australian soldiers in an insider attack in Afghanistan on 29 August 2012.

The coronial inquest has reawakened many painful memories and our thoughts are with the family and friends of Lance Corporal Stjepan Milosevic, Sapper James Martin and Private Robert Poate as well as the soldiers who served with them.

The families of our fallen soldiers shoulder the greatest emotional burden – nothing can compare to their loss. The death of soldiers on combat operations also exacts a heavy toll on their mates and commanders. Defence applauds the strength and courage of the families, as well as those who have relived the incident while giving evidence during the recent hearings.

As with all combat fatalities, Defence conducted an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Lance Corporal Milosevic, Sapper Martin and Private Poate at Patrol Base Wahab. Defence considers its inquiry actions were conducted appropriately; however Defence welcomes the Coroner’s views on the matter.

While the initial hearings have concluded, the coronial process continues with additional evidence and final submissions yet to be provided to the Coroner. Defence respects the independent coronial process and accordingly, will not comment on matters raised during the inquest until the Coroner has delivered his findings.

Defence is also committed to ensuring that all those affected by ongoing inquiries in this matter, including the families of Lance Corporal Milosevic, Sapper Martin and Private Poate, are provided with the support and assistance they require.

The FPDA is the longest-standing multilateral arrangement in South East Asia and has maintained relevance in the contemporary security environment.

Bersama Lima is one of the most significant exercises within the FPDA series of activities.

Exercise Director for BL14 Rear Admiral Timothy Lo from the Singapore Armed Forces, said all the exercise objectives for BL14 were achieved.

Commander of the Australian Contingent Group Captain Dennis Tan said the FPDA nations’ collective success this year demonstrated that Bersama Lima continues to grow and strengthen as an important strategic engagement in this region.

“It is through genuine friendships and understanding that we will be able to overcome future challenges in the region should they arise,” GPCAPT Tan said.

The five nations of the FPDA — Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom — worked together closely during the two week exercise to successfully defend against a fictitious security threat in and around the Malay Peninsula.

Commander of the United Kingdom contingent Brigadier Peter Cameron said one of the aims of BL14 was to enhance interoperability between the nations and strengthen the professional relationships.

“We have shared interests and so we come together in this arrangement, to work together, which we do to build bonds. When you have bonds, you have trust and when you have trust, you can do anything. By building that in a virtuous circle of what we share and how we combine together positively, we get somewhere,” BRIG Cameron said.

During his closing statement for the ceremony, Vice Admiral Dato’ Nasaruddin bin Othman from the Malaysian Armed Forces expressed a sentiment common to all participating nations when he said “we are all grateful to the host country, Singapore”.

HMAS Choules is in the vicinity of Torokina carrying approximately 500 personnel and is equipped with an MRH90 Helicopter and an LCM-8 Landing craft.

The Operation RENDER SAFE 2014 Commander, Captain (CAPT) Jay Bannister, says his team is looking forward to the task.

“The operation has been months in the planning, involving both Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,” CAPT Bannister said.

“The people of Bougainville have been most welcoming and we have been working very closely with them to identify explosive remnants of war which pose a threat to local communities.

“We are particularly grateful for the continuing support from the Bougainville Police Service on building community awareness, and we look forward to their assistance in helping maintain community safety during the operation.”

The focus of Operation RENDER SAFE 2014 will be in Torokina where grounds, villages and community gardens remain contaminated by unexploded ordnance.

Torokina was the site of fighting between Japanese and Allied forces, and was an air base for the Allies during World War II.

“Bougainville has a proud history but past conflicts have left a mark. We will be working very hard in the coming weeks to make Bougainville a safer place for generations to come,” CAPT Bannister said.

“This will be hard work but everyone here is well prepared for the task ahead and appropriate safety measures will be used at all times to maximise the impact of the operation.”

ADF personnel are participating at the invitation of the Autonomous Bougainville Government and with the approval of the PNG National Government.

Around 60 Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts from other nations including New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom will be assisting the ADF team.

Operation RENDER SAFE 2014 is the ADF’s enduring commitment to the removal of Explosive Remnants of War which continue to pose a potential danger to communities across the South West Pacific.

“I am so excited to be given this opportunity by Air Force. The scholarship will help me pursue my future career in aviation,” she said

In addition to her fixed wing aviation studies, Ms Morris is a second year para-medicine student and hopes to one day fuse her aviation and medical interests.

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown AO congratulated Ms Morris on her achievement.

“I heartily congratulate Jasmine for her outstanding efforts in the pursuit of expanding her aviation knowledge and skills. The Air Force Navigation Component Scholarship is intended to encourage young women to pursue flying careers by helping them with training costs. This scholarship is an example of Air Force’s commitment to gender diversity,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

Air Force has several programs to assist women who choose an aviation career as a pilot. In addition to the AWPA scholarship, entry to the Graduation Pilot Scheme (GPS) is open to women who are undertaking a Bachelor of Aviation (BAv) at selected universities.

There are no restrictions on the employment of females in the Air Force and women are eligible to fly all aircraft in the Air Force fleet.

The Air Force sponsored AWPA training scholarship is available to women aged between 15 and 27 years who wish to pursue an aviation career as a pilot. Further information and applications forms are available from the Australian Women Pilots’ Association website www.awpa.org.au. Applications close 31 January 2015.

Defence has signed up to the White Ribbon Pilot Workplace Accreditation Program, with the Navy and Royal Military College of Australia achieving accreditation. Army, the Australian Defence Force Academy and the Australian Civil Military Centre are currently seeking accreditation and Air Force will undertake accreditation in 2015.

“In June this year, the Navy became the largest of the first 23 organisations in the world to be accredited as a White Ribbon Workplace – a significant achievement for Defence and a great demonstration by the Navy of its commitment to end violence towards Navy women in the workplace,” Vice Admiral Griggs said.

Defence also recently engaged the Australian Human Rights Commission to visit Defence sites across Australia over the next four years to ensure that personnel are working towards the goal of a fully diverse and inclusive workplace.

]]>http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/10/17/defence-personnel-go-bridge-to-bridge-in-support-of-white-ribbon-day-2014/feed/Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral David Johnston and Air Commodore ‘Joe’ Vincent Iervasi, deliver the second briefing in the Australia room at the Australian Defence Offices in Russell, Canberra.http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/10/17/chief-of-joint-operations-vice-admiral-david-johnston-and-air-commodore-joe-vincent-iervasi-deliver-the-second-briefing-in-the-australia-room-at-the-australian-defence-offices-in-russell-canberr/
http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/10/17/chief-of-joint-operations-vice-admiral-david-johnston-and-air-commodore-joe-vincent-iervasi-deliver-the-second-briefing-in-the-australia-room-at-the-australian-defence-offices-in-russell-canberr/#commentsFri, 17 Oct 2014 06:22:20 +0000http://news-defence.govspace.gov.au/?p=6950DAVID JOHNSTON:

Ladies and gentlemen good morning and welcome to the further operational update, which CDF indicated that we will provide to you on an as required basis to keep you as informed as we can of changes and updates in the operational environment, particularly in Iraq. At the present, slightly different this week to last week, where CDF clearly hosted it. I have with me today Air Commodore Joe Iervasi. Joe leads on my behalf within the operations command out of Bungendore, the way Australia conducts air operations. So not just limited to Iraq, but all the other places where we deploy air capabilities, Joe is the commander of many of those activities for me.

I will clearly get to Iraq and provide you an update there, but before I did I thought I’d just refresh that there are a number of activities that operationally we are contributing to at the moment. We continue to have up to 400 people deployed in Afghanistan; who are doing important work in the advise mission that we are contributing there. HMAS Toowoomba is the Anzac-class frigate that is deployed in the Middle East region, and is back out at sea, conducted maritime security operations. You would recall that quite recently she had a very significant narcotic interdiction of over 5500 kilos of narcotic, and achieving quite a substantial effect in the full range of missions that she performs.

The HMAS Choules sailed from Sydney this week. And one of our major activities that we have in the latter part of this month is Operation Render Safe, which is an activity that we conduct throughout the South West Pacific associated with the removal of explosive remnants of war – largely World War Two ammunition that was left behind after that conflict. But the next activity that we have is going to be conducted in Bougainville, and we have ADF personnel starting to arrive in Bougainville now to set ourselves up for that activity, and Choules will arrive there later this month to start that.

And then to Iraq. And what I’ll do is give you a bit of a summary of a roll-up of where we are, and then very happy to take your questions at the end. Over the course of this week our air operations in Iraq in particular have surged. The reason that we have done that is to enable a continued presence over Iraq while permitting other coalition forces to intensify their efforts in Syria. So we have been flying more missions than we ordinarily would so that the US and other coalition partners in particular can support particularly Kobani. And I will come to that.

Our missions then have involved at least one pair of Super Hornets, often over the last few days two pairs of Super Hornets, that have been flying what remain quite long missions in the order of eight to ten hours for them to achieve the time that we aim for them to have over the ground in Iraq, supported by the E-7, the Airborne Earlier Warning and Control aircraft, and the KC-30. So if I look at what we have flown since our aircraft arrived in the Middle East and just give you some of that – those statistics. The Super Hornets have flown 39 sorties – and this is as of yesterday, we had further missions last night – they’ve flown 39 sorties, accruing 276 flying hours. A sortie is one aircraft in a mission. Over the same period the air-to-air refueler, the KC-30, has flown 14 air-to-air missions, and provided over a million pounds of fuel to coalition aircraft – predominantly the Australian Super Hornets but also French Rafale fighter aircraft. And just as an indicator for you, a single mission by a Super Hornet could require it to refuel up to four times in a single flight there and back to their operating base.

The E-7 Wedgetail aircraft has flown 11 missions, accruing 126 flying hours. And that aircraft continues to provide a very important role of managing airspace, deconflicting aircraft movements, reporting and supporting back to the Combined Air Operations Centre to ensure that the various coalition aircraft are deconflicted with each other.

As we announced late last week, on 8 October, our Super Hornets struck an ISIL facility, which through subsequent battle damage assessment we have confirmed was destroyed, and a number of ISIL members were killed in that attack. Earlier this week we had two pairs of Super Hornets attacked an ISIL military equipment and facilities in northern Iraq, also using their 500lb bombs, and our indication is from that attack that they were also successful; that was associated with ISIL equipment, ISIL facilities, and some support to troops that were on the ground.

Our Special Operations Task Group remains postured in the Middle East. The negotiations on the legal protections are continuing and are making progress. That group is ready to deploy once we have the authority to do so. We’ve supplemented their capabilities with some additional protected mobility vehicles that will be particularly useful against the improvised explosive device threat; but that group is largely prepared, they’re trained, they’re ready to go. Their mission, as we have previously briefed, is around providing support at divisional headquarters, brigade headquarters, and down to the battalion level. [Coughs] Excuse me.

You’ve also seen the US have announced the name of their operation and the chiefs of defence conference, that Air Chief Marshall Binskin advised you of last week, has occurred over the last few days. We’re waiting for the Chief to return. But Inherent Resolve is what the US is calling their mission. They’ve grouped together a coalition of over 60 nations who are contributing to that.

What we’ve seen – and just as a general assessment for you – airstrikes have continued to have an impact on the ground, and the comment I’d offer you is what airstrikes offer apart from a direct action on top of ISIL facilities or degrading their capabilities, they have a much broader impact around morale, the confidence and the notion of invincibility that ISIL fighters may have, but the broad target set also gives us opportunities to have an impact on their access to revenue. You might be aware some of the targets have included a mobile oil refinery, which ISIL is using to be able to generate revenue; some of the airstrike activity by the coalition are destroying those facilities.

So when we look at the air campaign, there is certainly an element which is supporting troops on the ground, some of it is atriding the capability of ISIL to be able to move freely, to resupply their people, and to provide that support to them as they are moving. But the contribution is broader than that; is it about undermining confidence, undermining their revenue streams, and having a much broader impact across that.

I’ll talk just briefly to Kobani, where the US and coalition airstrikes have certainly intensified over the course of this week, and you will have seen that in a number of reporting. The observation I’d give you is that ISIL are clearly very determined around this objective, but they are suffering the loss of hundreds of lives in seeking to achieve it. So while the outcome in Kobani is uncertain, even overnight there have been gains by the Kurdish forces within the town, it is uncertain what the outcome will be. The coalition is doing a significant amount to try to provide that support in particular from the air, but ISIL are expending a lot of forces in trying to achieve this objective, which is atriding what they have available to them.

The last comment I’d make before we move to questions is that we remain, and continue to be, available around our provision of humanitarian support. You recall last week I spoke that we had provided a number of air-drop missions. There hasn’t been a requirement for that over the last week since I updated you, but we remain available and postured to provide that capability, should it be required.

I’m happy to take any questions.

QUESTION:

Sir, what’s the risk, or what’s your assessment of the risk to Baghdad Airport and Bagdad city because we’re hearing a lot about the potential for the airport to be under threat.

DAVID JOHNSTON:

It has been an area that has been broadly under threat for some time, and I know – I saw some commentary I think overnight that – around the DFAT travel advisory. What I’d point out is that the travel advisory of people – Australians recommended to leave Iraq has actually been in place since May. So it hasn’t changed over that time, it’s been fairly consistent to it. That Bagdad environment has been fragile for some time, but there is significant forces – particularly Iraqi forces – that are postured around the environment in Bagdad to ensure it is secure. The US has significant capabilities there to provide support where it’s required, so from our perspective, we haven’t seen a substantive change over time. There are areas, particularly out in Western Baghdad where, on a day by day basis, it changes. ISIL make some advances, the Iraqi Security forces can push them back on the next day. So the environment is fluid, but there has been no substantial change in the environment in Baghdad over the last few months.

QUESTION:

The distinction though, with the statement yesterday, was that [indistinct] you’d said: while Baghdad and [indistinct] Airports remain open; which indicates or suggests that the Government thinks there is at least a chance that the airports may close, or perhaps be overtaken by us; is that a possibility?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I think that is unlikely. So, the fact there are still commercial aircraft flying into Baghdad International Airport is an indication that commercial companies still think that it’s viable and they’re able to operate there, so our view of the circumstances on the ground, while they are dynamic, Baghdad looks secure.

QUESTION:

Could I just clarify exactly air strikes we’ve actually carried out now, and sorry, I didn’t understand; were you saying that we actually carried out the strikes on the mobile oil refinery or was that Coalition aircraft?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

My comment about the mobile oil refinery; there are Coalition strikes against them, they haven’t been a target yet that we have struck. I don’t intend to be explicit either, in terms of the timing or the number of strikes, but what I did want to convey to you is that we have now done multiple strikes over a number of nights.

QUESTION:

And notwithstanding that, can you tell us how many of the 39 Hornet sorties have involved use of weaponry?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I don’t intend to give that amount of detail, but it has been more than one now, so – I will continue to provide an indication to you of what we’re striking and the type of tempo with it, but over the course of since we last conducted the brief last Tuesday, it has now been multiple strikes.

QUESTION:

Admiral, so there’s – [indistinct] you’ve mentioned there was one before and then, so there’s – this is, you’ve mentioned the second one, so there’s now been two?

You mentioned 39 sorties as of yesterday, but you said there were some overnight, so…

DAVID JOHNSTON:

So we did fly missions overnight, they involved four Super Hornets and supporting aircraft. There were no targets struck overnight.

QUESTION:

It’s interesting to hear you say that we’ve stepped up activity in the last week to allow the US to focus on Kobane and therefore on Syria. Whilst we’re not directly involved in the Syrian side of the conflict, it’s obviously fair to conclude that Australia’s contribution is very much allowing the US effort in Syria to step up.

DAVID JOHNSTON:

We are part of a coalition effort as you’re aware. Other countries do have the authority to be able to operate in Syria, so what we have provided by being able to provide more missions than we would otherwise have planned to, that there has been spare capacity that has been able to then be devoted towards the conflict in Syria.

QUESTION:

So the US is relying on us to be able to step up its effort inside Syria?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

It has been part of making sure that we continue to play and important effect in Iraq and, where there’s capacity, to be able then to apply that as an additional outcome in Syria. That’s true.

QUESTION:

And could you – sorry – just clarify: how many missions altogether now? You said 39 and then a couple…

DAVID JOHNSTON:

My numbers were up until yesterday, so – but this morning, our aircraft have only just returned in the early hours of this morning, so we have flown an additional four Hornet flights through last night. So if you add 39 sorties up until yesterday, add four more to there, up to 43.

QUESTION:

Admiral, when the CDF spoke to us, he mentioned that your pilots have played the red card very early on. How frequently have they had to do that in the course of these?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

There’s been – and in part – and I’ll offer Joe the chance to talk through it, perhaps just to give you an understanding, and I know there was a lot of interest in terms of the red card and how we use it. In general though, the way we manage our missions, the planners inside the Command Air Operations Centre know what targets are authorised an Australian target, so that is part of the planning process where we work through, with other nations, of: what can each nation do? What’s an appropriate target for that particular nation within the authorities available to it? So the circumstances under which the so-called red card or where during the conduct of a mission, or otherwise, we would deny the ability to strike, are infrequent.
Vinnie, did you wish to add any further comment to that?

VINCENT IERVASI:

The only addition, I would say that there’s been no air crew up to this particular point that has felt necessary to throw the red card down. The only time that we have applied a red card is actually prior to the allocation in a particular mission itself. So it hasn’t – you may recall there was an instance back in 2003 that’s been well reported, about one of our pilots chose to cease an attack because in his view it ceased to be a military objective that fitted within his delegated authorities and rules of engagement. We haven’t seen that circumstance so far.

QUESTION:

Sorry, but CDF do tell us that there have been one on – I think the first mission. So you haven’t seen anything subsequent to that, or..?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

To clarify, the circumstances of that was that the cessation of the attack wasn’t called by the aircraft, it was called by our people back in the operational headquarters, who determined that it now exceeded our risk parameters. So that’s where the view of – we have a number of checks and balances in place right through the system, right up to the air crew making that determination. On that particular occasion, the determination not to proceed was made not in the aircraft but on the ground.

QUESTION:

The CDF did say it was the last briefing, it was the crew involved in that decision as well.

DAVID JOHNSTON:

The crew were participating in it, so they’re giving feedback on what they’re seeing. They have the sense and capability to understand what’s moving, what’s changing and providing that advice back into including our people that are inside the air operation centre.

QUESTION:

So it hasn’t been used at all again, by anyone?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

No it hasn’t. No. Not by Australians. I can’t comment…

QUESTION: [Indistinct]

DAVID JOHNSTON:

No, we haven’t been in that situation again.

QUESTION:

Admiral, how many ISIL fighters were killed in the first air strike?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

In the first air strike? It was a number. There were multiple fighters there.

QUESTION:

Are you saying…

DAVID JOHNSTON:

No and the reason why I’m not being overly detailed – we do know ISIL has a very aggressive propaganda campaign. The more that we provide in terms of location, the dates, they can exploit that information, including back against us. So we’re just being very cautious and as much as I want to be as informative with you as I can, I’m avoiding putting ourselves in a position where that information can be exploited and used back against us.

QUESTION:

I asked this question last time, and I’ll ask it again: what can you – what assessment can you give us about the situation in Kobane? I know we’re not in Syria, but you’re obviously involved in that action directly. How bad is it in Kobane?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

It is serious and I think some of the – there was significant advances that were made by ISIL over the last few days. The increased tempo in air strikes has slowed that again and the reporting we’ve seen that there are areas where the Kurds have pushed back in the city and recovered some territory, but it is fragile and it’s uncertain. So, the outcome is not clear in Kobane. There is some ground being made but it is a day by day proposition at the moment.

QUESTION:

Vice Admiral, our special forces have been sidelined for a long time. It’s been – presumably, they’ve got an important role to do once they get in there [indistinct] important once they’re in there. Their absence so far is having a negative impact. Could you tell me how much urgency you guys are feeling, how much frustration you’re feeling about the fact they’re not getting there despite all our best efforts?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

Despite – special operations team are ready to go and they’re ready to get in, contribute and assist the Iraqi security forces but we understand that the negotiations need to continue. Getting the circumstances by which they deploy in there and the legal provisions around it are important and that’s just what we’re waiting for. So – we’re aware the Government in Iraq still hasn’t been able to appoint a defence minister yet or a minister of interior. So, they have issues that they are contending with, this is one of them. We’re working with them to achieve the right outcomes as quickly as we can and we’re ready to go once they give us that authority.

QUESTION:

[Speaking over] Do you have [indistinct]?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

It will depend. So it – generally we expect we will be Iraqi special operations forces but until we get in there and the timing is clear which particular team – and it may even change during the deployment that depending on what the various units are doing that we could partner with multiple units and the nature of units may change during the course of the deployment.

QUESTION:

Do you have any sort of timeframe on when you think they might get in at this stage or…

DAVID JOHNSTON:

We’re hoping that it stays but we just are uncertain. So, we’re ready and as soon as we get that authority we will [indistinct].

QUESTION:

Just to clarify, sorry, is it primarily from your understanding, a bureaucratic holdup because of the situation in the Government in Baghdad or are there military points of difference that need to be negotiated because the Prime Minister’s told us we’re looking for the same kind of arrangement that the United States has forged to do the same kind of job. Is there a military thing that’s to be resolved?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

It’s not a military issue that I’m aware of, I think it’s just taking time to work through the Iraqi system.

QUESTION:

Admiral, Peter [indistinct] said that’s [indistinct] that may never happen. Firstly, do you – what’s your reaction to that because the fact that the [indistinct] to our government is in disarray and [indistinct] dysfunctional and also we made a commitment to send in advisors about a month ago or thereabouts, the situation has dramatically changed between then and now. Is that commitment now irrelevant? I mean, does the Iraqi Government need far more than advisors when they’ve got ISIS on the outskirts of that?

DAVID JOHNSTON:

I’m confident that we will get in there and I am confident that we will make a useful contribution. So, I don’t think the situation has changed as dramatically as you’ve suggested it but what has changed, if anything, was that we saw ISIL over a number of months make a – very rapid progress from the Syrian border down into Iraq. That’s clearly slowed. So, that if the situation is changing in many areas, it’s in favour of the Iraqi security forces. It’s at – there are areas where that’s still highly contested but we will get in there, I expect, and we will make a very useful contribution when we do so.

QUESTION:

Just on the ISIL casualties from the Australian air strikes, you said on that first one there were multiple, on – you said that at least two strikes have taken place. Were there other occasions where there were casualties?